Charlene (Char) L. (James) Sumser

Charlene (Char) L. (James) Sumser, age 87, passed away on the morning of December 5, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. She was born on May 30, 1938, to the late Francis and Kathryn (Terrett) James. Also preceding Charlene in death was her husband, James W Sumser on January 1, 2015; sister, Kay James; and brothers, Richard (& Donna) James, Daniel James and Thomas James.

She graduated from Central Catholic High School. After graduation she worked as the Head Cashier at Fisher Foods in Canton until shortly after her marriage to the late James W Sumser. She went on to own two businesses, Charb’s Yarn and Fabric Shop in Canal Fulton, Ohio and later, Charlene’s Custom Drapery, in Massillon, Ohio until her retirement. After she retired, she worked part time at Marc’s in North Canton, because “she missed being around people.” In her later years, she enjoyed her hobbies of reading, sewing, needlework, baking, golfing, singing in the choir and flower arranging, as well as being an active member of The North Canton Eagles Women’s Auxiliary.

Charlene is survived by her children; Barbara (Dennis) Adams, James (Cheryl) W. Sumser II, Sandy (Brian) Rees and Wendy (Jon) Russo; grandchildren Matthew (Betsy) Linn, Stephanie Linn (fiancée Marque Reavley). Sarah (Roy Steed) Sumser, Will (Bri) Sumser, Paige (Jake) Stinson, Brooke (Logan) Wilcox, Kendle Rees, Calyn and Sam Russo; and her great grandchildren, Robert, Christopher and Samuel Linn, Maverick and Zayley Wilcox and Chloe, Regan and R.J. Steed; sister, Marianne James; sisters-in-law, Anne Carol Sumser, Donna Sumser, Marie Sumser, Pat Williams, Linda James, and Marjorie James; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests Memorial Contributions may be made in Charlene's name to Absolute Hospice, St. John Catholic Church, or Canton Garden Center.

Charlene’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday December 20, 2025, at Lamiell Funeral Home, Canton, Ohio, with the family receiving guests from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and the Celebration of Life Service following immediately at 11:30 AM.

During this tender time for the family, please visit www.lamiellfuneralhome.com to share fond memories, prayers, and stories of Charlene and the many lives she touched.