Charlene Nevill

Charlene Nevill, 80, of Avery, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Hospice of Texarkana.

Charlene was born in California to James Earl and Nina Mowrey Hewitt.  At an early age the family moved to Houston, where Charlene met the love of her life, Harold Wayne Nevill, whom she married on June 9, 1960 at the age of 16.  They made their home in Houston, Texas where Charlene worked as a clerk in a food store.  She soon became licensed as a hair dresser and went to work in a local beauty shop. They were blessed with the birth of two daughters, Pam in 1963, and Sandra in 1966.  In 1968, the young family moved to Avery, Texas which would remain their home for the rest of their lives.  Upon moving to Avery, Charlene continued as a hairdresser in Leota Medford’s beauty shop, where she made lifelong friends and served as beautician, counselor, and trusted advisor to women throughout the Avery area. Charlene’s second career was as an employee at Red River Army Depot, where she worked as a property management clerk. She then began her third career as a technology coordinator for Clarksville ISD. Charlene’s love for children, especially those who faced economic and educational challenges, enabled her to provide a smile, a hug, or other encouragement to the children she served. She retired from Clarksville ISD to spend time with her family, enjoy a bountiful garden, and spoil her two dachshunds, Sadie and Aggie.

Harold, Charlene and the family quickly became active members of the Avery Missionary Baptist Church.  Over the next 50+ years, Charlene served the church as choir member, children’s Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school worker, and was always ready to provide food when needed for church functions.  She was especially known for her Italian Crème Cakes and banana pudding, which was also a favorite among her grandchildren.  To this day, some of Pam and Sandra’s fondest memories include spending time with their mom preparing and eating piles of fried shrimp.  Both daughters developed a love for cooking through the time spent in their mom’s kitchen.  Unfortunately, neither daughter learned from her innate ability to garden and grow plants.  Over the years, Charlene was the trusted plant doctor for her family and friends, often taking in sick and dying plants, nursing them back to health, and returning them to their owner, only to repeat the process in a few weeks.  Charlene was also known for her creative abilities in writing poetry and various crafting projects.  She had amazing patience and willingness to share her knowledge with others, young and old, teaching everything from crocheting to canning.

Though she enjoyed a full and rewarding life, nothing brought Charlene more joy than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charlene lived out her deep faith in God and her belief in the entirety of scripture, but she most exemplified Proverbs 31, which describes a Godly woman with the following words; “She is clothed with strength and dignity… Her children arise and call her blessed.”

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 60 years, Harold Wayne.  She is survived by her daughters, Pam (Gary) VanDeaver and Sandra Nevill.  Grandchildren Kacey (Ryan) Launius, Katelyn (Cedric) Fibich, Wade (Lauren) Burkett, and Jake (Lauren) Burkett.  Great grandchildren Susanna, Clara, Carson, Cameron, Nevill, and Truett.  A sister, Donna Box, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Roddy Jackson officiating.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church in Avery.  Interment will be in Avery Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Terry Burkett, Stacy Burkett, Matt Crawford, John Hall, Justin Clark and Michael Downs.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mark Megason, Glenn Woods, Kevin Downs, Rick Gandy and Tilmon Deaton.

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