Mary Charlene Younger

Mary Charlene Younger affectionately known as “Charlene” changed our lives forever when she was born on November 24, 1960, in Newark, NJ to Vivian Payton and Rufus Armstead, whom both preceded her in death. Our turkey baby was born on Thanksgiving and if you knew Charlene you know that, that says a lot about the most giving and kind hearted person she was. She was the second oldest of her siblings. A few months after her birth her family moved to Detroit Michigan, where she would later make her mark on this world. So, not everyone is blessed to have two loves in one lifetime but she was one of the few. Charlene met Jerome and to this union Vivian was born. Unfortunately he passed away 7 months later. Charlene may have mothered many but gave birth to one, her best friend, her twin, and her daughter. They were pretty much inseparable, if you saw one you saw the other. They literally did everything together including switching roles years later with Charlene becoming Vivian’s “oldest baby”. Charlene was known to have a contagious personality, there was no way you could resist her presence and neither could this handsome young fellow name Melvin. Melvin wooed Charlene with his grace and charm and they later shared 29 years of marriage and a total of 38 years together. They were the role model couple that the youngsters one day hoped to become. As Charlene would say, “Let me tell you bet not nobody say nothing about Mr. Younger.” Living life to the fullest was an understatement because that is what she did. Charlene grew up attending Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Central High School with a certification in culinary. She loved to cook and bake some of the best sweets. She was a hustler, she knew how to keep and make money. You could not ride past a garage sale or flea-market without this lady stopping. She loved her arts and crafts and repurposing furniture and just about anything she got her hands on. One could easily find her and the grandkids watching flea-market flip on any given day, yes she corrupted them as well. Her grand and great grandchildren were her life. Nanny and Mama Charlene as she was affectionately called did any and everything with and for those kids. She was the football and cheer grandma and whatever else they needed her to be. She loved her family more than anything. She was the Auntie and cousin that knew and talked to everybody. Charlene was employed at various places but the school system is where she found a home. She started at Detroit Public Schools as a Behavioral Coach, where she changed plenty of children’s lives. She later switched to Dearborn Public Schools, where she retired after 17½ years because of her failing health. After watching her husband enjoying retirement she realized this was going to be a blissful adjustment. Now one thing you had to know is that she loved the Lord. “Thank You Jesus,” could be heard at any time whether early morning or late at night (no matter if everyone was sleep) being yelled through the house. In her younger years she sang with the Lucille Lemon Gospel Choraleers. Charlene was a faithful member of True Faith Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Ned Adams Jr., where she served on the Culinary and helped on the Children’s ministry. Years later she moved her membership to Fountain of Truth under the leader-ship of Bishop Michael and Pastor Brenda Jones, of whom she loved and called her spiritual parents. There she faithfully served with the phenomenal Culinary D.I.V.A.S. and Dudes until she couldn’t anymore. After making sure her family was in a good place and where she thought they needed to be, Charlene decided it was time to take her rightful place next to her heavenly Father. She left this old world and joined her husband on October 3, 2024 at 10:57 am. Charlene leaves to cherish her Daughters, Vivian and Monique; Son, Jason; Grandchildren, Colby (Ashleigh), Davian, Charmel, Brendon, Damia, and Damon Jr.; Bonus Granddaughter, Mya; Great-grandson, Christian. Sisters, Olamae and Shakirah. Brothers, Dennis (Sharon), Robert, James (Kellie), Elijah, and Xavier; Sisters-in-law, Gearldine (Samuel), Christine (Conora), and Carolyn; Best friend, Shirletha; Goddaughters, Chandie and Karter; Godsons, Richard (Monique), Brandon (Brittany), Jarell, Jordan, and Kaden; God-grandchildren, Monet, Adrian Jr., Brandon II, and Gianna, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Mary Charlene Younger

November 24, 1960 - October 3, 2024