Charlene Walker-Jackson

Charlene was born December 28, 1940, to the parentage of Lucinda Harvey and Charlie Walker, Sr. at John B Gaston Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She started her life residing at 340 Webster Street in Memphis, TN. The family then moved to Mississippi Boulevard and Chapin Street. Charlene and her siblings often reminisced and spoke of their days growing up on the infamous “Chapin Street.” Charlene was the 2nd born daughter in a family of three boys: Charles, Naeem, and Tommy Lee, and her sister Willie Mae. Family had always meant everything to Charlene, and her family enjoyed building precious memories together. Charlene’s parents always stressed the importance of being a Christian and always doing the right thing. Charlene was baptized at an early age at Pleasant Green Baptist Church in Memphis, but enjoyed attending Vance Avenue Church of Christ as she listened to the gospel being taught by Bro. Nokomis Yeldell.

Charlene was educated in the Memphis City School district from her days in elementary school through her years in high school at Booker T. Washington. Education had always been important to Charlene. She was an avid reader. Charlene found that reading took her places she could only imagine going, as well as helping her to understand the times in which she lived. Being a young woman during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Charlene often recalled the times when segregation and “Jim Crow” laws were a part of everyday life. She knew the importance of education and making a great life for herself and her family.

Charlene was blessed with a daughter; Carla Denise and she was the first born and the love of Charlene’s life. Carla was more than a daughter, but a source of pride to her. She was able to witness Carla’s many life accomplishments and her acceptance to Harvard University. She knew that Carla would be someone special. She was also so happy to have Carla by her side. Charlene lost her precious Mother Lucinda due to a lengthy illness in 1963. Lucinda was only 46 years old, and the loss hurt Charlene to her core. Charlene cared for her mother during her illness and never left her side. Charlene was so grateful for her mother’s love, which helped her to raise her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Charlene met and married Harrison Jackson, Jr. and they were wed in Memphis, TN. Charlene welcomed her second child, Lori Lucenda, into the world. Charlene also spoke about her mother telling her prior to her death, “I have seen your baby girl, and she is beautiful and healthy!” Lori and her mother always had a special bond. They cooked together, watched countless movies, shopped and Lori was Charlene’s personal driver and caregiver. Lori adored Charlene and she adored Lori! Charlene welcomed her one and only son, Eric, in 1964, into the world. Eric was truly the apple of her eye. He kept her on her toes, but she always looked out for Eric and told him to be great!

Little did she know she would have raised the first African American head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the Special Agent in Charge of Dallas and a US Navy veteran. Charlene was proud of her only son and beamed as she spoke of his many accomplishments. In 1966, Charlene welcomed her baby girl Terri. Charlene was overjoyed with the birth of her last daughter and stated early in life that Terri would be the gospel singer her mother always wanted in the family. Charlene was with Terri as she had ministered across the country to all who would have her come and share Jesus. Terri was blessed to return to Dallas in 2015 to be closer to her mother. Being her caregiver gave Terri the time needed to enjoy Charlene in her later years of life. The pride she felt for all her children was evident to her family, all who knew her. 

Charlene attended Memphis State University (currently the University of Memphis) to obtain her license as an LPN. Upon the urging of all who knew her, Charlene was encouraged to pursue her RN degree. At the age of 51 years old, Charlene received her degree as a Registered Nurse from Excelsior College at the University of Albany, NY and worked for various healthcare facilities. She passed her nursing exam on the first attempt. She worked for Mesquite Community Hospital, various Nursing Homes, The Convalescent Center and retired in 2011 from Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital in Dallas.

Charlene lived an exceptional life. Charlene was the best cook in the family and spent her days gardening in her backyard for hours upon end. She was always eager to spend time reading the bible and attending church services with her daughters. Charlene made the decision in the early 2000s to be baptized at Light of the World Church of Christ, under the leadership of Dr. E.D. Seamster. The day she was baptized, she heard a mighty word from the late, great Dr. Mark Thompson and heard the Lord speak to her spirit. She enjoyed worshipping with Lori and the members at LWCC. Upon Terri’s return to Dallas in 2015, Charlene attended Central Pointe Church of Christ. She enjoyed Wednesday Night Bible studying with Bro. Willie Tucker and Bro. Kevin Barnes and attended until her health began to fail her.

Charlene battled two bouts of cancer (2013 and 2023). She fought valiantly and God blessed her while being treated by the team at Texas Oncology/Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas. Charlene was grateful to God for the many years she lived and anticipated the next journey in her life. On Friday morning, August 30th, in her bed with family and friends surrounding her, Charlene made her transition to be with the Lord.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, and her three brothers. She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Carla (Leslie), Lori, Eric, Sr. (Claudia), and Terri. Her special niece/daughter Cassandra Burse (Memphis, TN.), her sister Willie Mae Ellis (Memphis, TN.), her grandchildren; Eric Jr., Tristan, Talis, Tiffany, Veronica, Leslie (Ar ‘Zsa.), India, and Step-grandson Andres. Her great grandchildren Aiden, Gabriel, Lilliana, Evan, Lena, Toussaint. She also leaves a dear friend and former co-worker of 33 years, Lydia “Sue” Dan, nieces, a nephew, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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