Charlene Elizabeth Parks-Matlock

Charlene Elizabeth Parks-Matlock
Instead of filling you in on my history, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your part in my journey "from here to there." I will not call names, I think you know who you are.

Most importantly, I want to thank God for placing you in my life. Some of you for a season, some for a reason, and some for a lifetime. Although my immediate family is small, I am blessed with loving extended families. Not just one family, but families that accepted me as one of their own. Which in turn provided me with lots of extended siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a few grandchildren (smile). Believe it or not, I worked with a group of people whom I grew to love as family.

I lived long enough to understand the meaning of being "blessed and highly favored." The Lord truly looked past my faults and met my needs (along with some desires of my heart). He continued to be my provider. He returned to me that which the locust and cankerworm ate. I thank HIM. And, I thank YOU for helping me feel needed, special, and loved. I truly enjoyed and appreciated the visits, phone calls, gifts, checking on me, and just socializing that came from you. At one time, I wasn't sure what was ahead for me, but "Glory Be to God," you came along and picked me up and kept going; taking me with you to the end. I never was afraid, and I never had to feel alone. Thank you!

To all the young people that crossed by path during my journey, I would like to encourage you to "seek ye first the kingdom of God; and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

FYI: I am the oldest of three girls born to the late Charles William and Mattie Katherine Parks. Preceded in death by sister, Betty Jean Parks-Brady, and son, Carlin DeAndre Matlock. Survived by family that I love: son, Calvin Darnell (Monica Barbee) Matlock; sister, Ernestine Vivian Parks; nephew, Alric Clarady; granddaughter, Jateria Matlock; great granddaughter, Aubree Matlock; sisters-in-law, Barbara (George) Vaughn, Lucy (Larrie) Smith, Lisa Matlock, Yvette
Etter; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins (Toledo, Milwaukee, Memphis), friends, and my closest friend Hixie Waters.