CHARLENE B CREWS

Charlene Brantley Crews was born to Charlie and Geneva Brantley on September 23, 1945, in Springhill, Louisiana. She was the youngest of four children: WB Brantley, Deodis Brantley, and Lorrine Jackson, all of whom preceded her in death. 

Charlene grew up watching her father work as a sharecropper while her mother tirelessly labored in the fields and at home. Her mother’s strength not only inspired Charlene but also made her determined to find a different path, often saying, “That will never be me!”

She worked hard in the fields and even harder in school, graduating from Charles Brown High School in 1963. A year later, she moved to Humble, Texas, with her brother Deodis Brantley, where she soon met the love of her life, Braxton Carl Crews. After a brief courtship, Charlene married Braxton on December 18, 1964, a union that would last for 52 years until Braxton’s passing on June 8, 2017. Together, they raised four children: Kenny, Traci, Stacy, and Bryant.

Charlene began selling Avon in 1982, not realizing it would develop into a passionate career. She eventually became a District Manager, a role that allowed her to travel the world. In August 1997, tragedy struck when her eldest daughter, Traci, and her grandson Kamory were involved in a devastating car accident that left Traci paralyzed and claimed the life of Traci’s godmother. After the accident, Charlene’s career continued until her retirement in 2004.

Retirement brought cherished opportunities for Charlene and Braxton to enjoy weekend getaways together, deepening their bond through shared adventures. It also allowed her to be by Traci’s side, offering unwavering support and care as Traci faced her new challenges. The long-term effects of Traci’s injuries ultimately led to her passing on January 26, 2020, and she will be there to greet Charlene in the kingdom. In 2006, a piece of Charlene’s heart was torn when her eldest grandson, Adrain Wayne Guillory, was brutally murdered. He too preceded her in death, and she is now reunited with him in the kingdom.

Charlene’s spiritual journey was significant, and alongside Braxton, they became devoted members of Bread of Life Baptist Church in Humble, Texas, and remaining active in their membership until Braxton’s passing in 2017. Charlene continued her involvement in the church afterward, faithfully leading prayer calls and spearheading the Care and Concern Ministry, where she offered support and comfort to others.

Charlene’s later years brought new challenges as her health began to decline. Despite these difficulties, she remained independent and active, continuing to drive until her mobility became limited. In her 78th year, she moved into rehabilitation to adapt to her changing physical needs. True to her resilient spirit, she celebrated her 79th birthday on September 23, 2024, surrounded by those that were able to celebrate with her. Her family and friends were deeply saddened by her unforeseen passing on October 23, 2024, at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital.

Charlene Brantley Crews was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a woman of great faith. Her strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges were an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on through the lives she touched.

Charlene leaves to cherish her memory three children: Kenny Lee, Stacy Williams (Dexter), and Bryant Crews, her godson Allen Stewart, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Charlene had a gift for making others feel loved and special, and she made sure to let those close to her know how much they meant to her.