Mrs. Charlene Haynes Shelton was born on October 28th, 1940, in the Township of Garland, Arkansas.  She was the third of eight children, growing up in a home filled with love, laughter, and strong faith.

           Charlene attended Booker T. Washington High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she was the Valedictorian of the graduating class of 1960. After graduating, she continued her education at Henderson Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. In the mid-1960s, she relocated to Flint, Michigan, where she built a successful career with AC Rochester-Spark Plug (General Motors), remaining a faithful employee until her retirement in 1991. It was in Flint where she met Freddie James Eason Jr. She joined him in holy matrimony in 1966, and from this union, two children were born, Tracey Michelle (Eason) Mays and Toy Rochelle Eason. Though their marriage ended,   Charlene and Freddie remained friends until his death. 

As fate would have it, Charlene reconnected with, and married her childhood sweetheart, Curtis Leroy Shelton in September 1976. They cherished nine years of marriage before Curtis’ untimely passing in September 1985. Remaining a devoted widow, she sustained with strength and grace, finding comfort in the simple pleasures of life. She found joy spending time with her family, singing with the church choir, teaching Sunday School, fishing, and completing crossword puzzles and word searches. And, true to her independent nature, she enjoyed her moments of quiet      reflection, often accompanied by a well-earned smoke.

Charlene leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Tracey (Henry) Mays of Madison, FL, and their children Trachele, Tamara and Jeremy (LaTisha); her loving son, Toy Eason of Memphis, TN, and his children Toy Jr., Darius, and Yvonda; her youngest brother, Larry (Jacqueline) Haynes of Townsend, DE; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom she deeply loved. Charlene was a proud great-grandmother to KaVion, Jakaidien, Jaiah, Janariah, Bre’Asia and Destanee. Charlene also played a special role as a  second mother to her sister Ardyce’s children: Joy (Patrick), Jackie, Jeaninne, and Keith (LaToya). Family was at the heart of everything she treasured, finding great pleasure in their accomplishments, laughter, and their love.

Mrs. Charlene Haynes Shelton, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother,  sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her loving husband and ex-husband, beloved parents, Cleveland and Willie Mae (Bell) Haynes, and siblings Cornell Haynes, Beaulah V. Haynes, Sallie Mae Haynes, Ardyce Haynes Urquhart, Cleveland Haynes Jr., and  Sandra Haynes Cole.

Charlene’s life was one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her faith and family. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.