Missionary Charlene Clark-Powell

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Beginnings. In the sacred silence of farewell, Charlene is released into the embrace of eternity, knowing that her light will continue to shine brightly in the tapestry of the lives of her loved ones. As her memory is carried forward, we find comfort in the knowledge that love is eternal, and that Charlene’s spirit lives on in the beauty that surrounds us. She was loved and cherished by many people. Missionary Charlene Powell, a phenomenal woman indeed! Affectionately called “Lean” by her family and close friends, answering to Momma from her two girls, was a woman of grace, resilience, and quiet strength whose life’s journey reflects the power of healing through truth and compassion. A mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and Missionary of the Gospel. Charlene is the second eldest of twelve children, born Monday, August 6, 1945, in Shaw, Mississippi to the union of Florida & Charlie Clark, Sr. The first-born sibling was Rosemary and following Charlene were Charlie, John, Shereline, and Everette. Her Mother later married Wash Ross, Sr. and other siblings were added, Johnny, Henry, Sharon, Mary, Marilyn, and Nina. Lean grew up in Phillips County, Arkansas. Adult Years. Charlene received her early education from Elaine School District, Elaine, AR and her high school education from C. V. White High School, Lakeview, AR graduating in May, 1966. She later attended Phillips County Community College. Charlene enjoyed a lifetime of working and experienced different career paths throughout her life. She worked as the Director of Security at Zales Department Store, Sales Clerk at K-Mart, Bus Driver for Saginaw Public Schools, Senior Center Coordinator at Saginaw County Commission on Aging, fully retiring from each one. [Job Well Done]. Her later years were spent enjoying her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. She also carried this joy into every chapter of her life--as a daughter, sister, caregiver, and a mentor. Among the many roles Charlene held, being the matriarch of her family--she took to heart. After the passing of her mother sixteen years ago, she became the central figure and the main source of family strength and values; she was the one who held our family together. And for this, “We say Thank You”. Hobbies. A true culinary enthusiast, Charlene found joy in the art of cooking. From her famous cornbread dressing to her mouthwatering banana pudding, everyone looked forward to her creations. It was more than just a hobby; it was a way she expressed love and created cherished memories. Her family looked forward to her many specialty dishes; they will especially miss her sweet potato pies and hot water cornbread. Her love for cooking extended to sharing meals with friends, community members, and church family, creating lasting memories. Her culinary creations brought people together; the warmth and joy that Charlene brought to the kitchen will be deeply missed, but her legacy of delicious meals and warm memories will live on. Religion. Charlene committed her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Old Town Lake in Lakeview, AR by the late J.W. Webb and became a member of the Brooks Chapel M. B. Church until she relocated to Memphis, TN. She continued her fellowship with the saints under watch care, while remaining a formal member at her home church. Charlene spent decades loving her family, feeding the community, and serving God. In the mid 70’s she moved to Saginaw, MI and later united with the Rose of Sharon COGIC under the leadership of Elder Louis Knox, Sr., serving until the Lord called her from labor to reward Thursday, July 3, 2025. Deceased Family. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Mother, Florida (Wash) Ross and Father Charlie Clark, Sr.; Sisters Rosie Lee Mubriu, Rosemary Goodwine, Sherline Gum, and Sharon Johnson; Brothers, Charles Clark, Sr., John Clark, Everette Clark, Henry Ross; Brothers-in-law, David Goodwine, Sr., Izah Broadus; Aunts, Neomia Williams, Elizabeth Lewis, Mary Lee, Lorsteen Webster, Vinnie C. Robinson, Georgia Burrell; Uncles, Oscar Lewis, Rufus Lee, Louis Burrell, Richard Burrell, and Henry Burrell; Nieces, Maria Goodwine, Dr. Lashun King, Mariah Williams, Baby Jena, and Baby Pēs; Nephews, Baby Brandon, Baby Tyrone, and Jason Clark. Surviving Family. She leaves to cherish her memories and forever keep her legacy alive, Daughters, Kim (Anthony) Ross and Keva Clark, Saginaw, MI; Grandson; Timothy Holden, Jr., Granddaughters, Sade Henry, Courtney Sledge, Jasmine Sledge, Saginaw, MI and Kolby (Antone) Williamson, Grand Rapids, MI, Great-grandson, Emmanuel King; Sisters, Alie Jackson, Hampton, VA; Mary (Robert) Slater, Memphis, TN; Marilyn (James) Golden, and Nina Ross, Benton Harbor, MI; Brothers, Johnny (Cheryl) Ross, Raytown, TX; Sisters-in-law, Jeanette Clark, Saginaw, MI, Jerlester Gordon-Freeman, Marvell, AR; God Son, Langston Knox; God Daughter, Dr. Tonya Sims; God Brother, Thomas Brown Jr., Elaine, AR; God Sister, Latunga Brown, Pine Bluff, AR; A special friend for over sixty years T’ella Shannon, Saginaw, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. “In life we had pleasures with our loved ones we have sorrows and joy but thank God for the memories that death cannot destroy” Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2025 at Rose of Sharon COGIC, 4302 Webber St., Saginaw, MI 48601. Elder Louis Knox will officiate. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Missionary Charlene Clark-Powell

August 6, 1945 - July 3, 2025