We give thanks to God always for you all, . . . remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. —1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Charlene Robinson, cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at her home in Carriere, Miss., on Sunday, October 28, 2012 surrounded by her family & friends. She lost her two year battle with cancer but stands victorious over death for she is now with her Lord and Savior.

She was born on July 25, 1948 as the eldest daughter to the late Charlie and Ruby Burkett of Picayune, Miss. She had four brothers and one sister and was referred to as “Big Red” by her siblings and childhood friends. She gave her life to Christ at an early age, joined the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and was baptized by the late Rev. E.L. Fox.

She was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School Class of 1965 and was a member of the Band as a proud, “high-stepping”, Carver Majorette. While at Carver, she developed many long-lasting friendships and married her high school sweetheart, Ted Robinson of Carriere in 1964. To this union five children were born. She also had an extended family and was like a mother to several nieces and nephews. She became a member of the New Hebron Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. A. D. Jackson. She faithfully served as a Deaconess, the Hospitality/Kitchen Coordinator, as a member of the Pastors Aide Committee, the New Hebron B.C. Choir, member of the Ladies Mission Auxiliary, and was always willing to help out in any capacity. There was no job too big or too small as her humbleness allowed her to serve in any area.

She held various jobs throughout her career including positions at General Mills in Picayune, the Army Ammo Plant at Stennis Space Center, Stuffed Shirt Factory, and as a CNA at the Guest House of Slidell, La.; but her favorite position was providing child care services for the Carriere Community. She was affectionately known as “Granny” by all the kids in the neighborhood and enjoyed cooking and serving a good soul-food meal.

To have known Charlene was to love her. She was kind, caring, a generous giver, and a good listener who would often give encouraging advice. She was a Christian woman who loved the Lord and truly let her light shine. Charlene endeared herself to all who knew her through her selflessness, forgiveness, and her love for family and friends. Her Christian faith and charity defined her; she lived out that faith as she lovingly embraced her Christian duties, service to the Lord, and her calling as a Caregiver.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 44 years, Ted Robinson and her three brothers: Lionel, Charles, and Danny Burkett.

Remaining to celebrate her life and many, many, fond memories are: her sister and brother; Mahala “Shane” and Nathan Burkett of Picayune; one uncle, Mr. Cornell (Bridgette) Wilcox of Biloxi, Miss.; her three daughters; Deborah (Marvis) Burkett and Ruby (Teno) Stubbs of Picayune, and Temika (Kenny) Bolar of Carriere; her two sons, Dewayne and Deray Robinson of Carriere; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She also had three special daughters who loved and provided care for her. Mahala “Mo” Marks, Deanna LaBarge, and Kelly Fairconettue; her mother-in-law, Ms. Carrie Robinson; five sisters-in-law, Carrie Spencer, Easter Milton, Alice (John) Guillory, Ethel (Richard) Kemp, Melinda (Standly) Norwood; and one brother-in-law, Fred Robinson, all of Carriere. She will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and all others who knew and loved her.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the New Hebron Baptist Church in Carriere, and officiated by her pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Martin Thomas, Jr. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Interment will be at the Carriere Cemetery.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home, 1011 Rose Street, Picayune, MS 39466, (601) 798-4469 brownsfuneralhome@ymail.com.