Darlene Charles

Lamentations: 3:22-23

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his companions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.

Celebration of Life Service for Darlene Charles, 87, of Enid, will be 11:00 AM Friday May 15, 2026, in The First Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Robert Robinson and Bishop Derwin Norwood officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery; service arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.

Darlene Charles was born in Crescent, Oklahoma, to Bennie Smith and Martha Fields Smith as the eleventh of thirteen children. Raised in a large, loving, Christian family, Darlene carried the values of faith, compassion, and perseverance throughout her life.

After graduating from school in Denver, Colorado, she attended Emily Griffith Technical College, where she learned the skill of machine operation. During this season of life, she met and married Dennis Simmons. Along with building a life together, Darlene lovingly embraced the role of helping raise her bonus children, Lori, Judy, and Steve, whom she cherished.

Darlene later pursued private nursing, dedicating herself to caring for others while faithfully serving at Evangelist Temple Church of God in Christ under Dr. J.L. Washington. Her love for God and people became evident in every area of her life.

She later met and married her husband, Larmen Brame, and together they relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they built a beautiful life together rooted in faith, love, and community.

While in Lincoln, Darlene became a devoted and respected member of Angelic Temple Church of God in Christ under Elder Myles Davis. There, she faithfully served for many years as a teacher, singer, usher, president of pastor's aide and a member of the infamous "Moms on the Move". Her wisdom, kindness, and steadfast spirit touched countless lives within the congregation and beyond.

Following the passing of her husband Larmen, Darlene answered another calling placed upon her heart by the Lord: caregiving. She returned to Enid, Oklahoma, where she faithfully became one of the caregivers for her older sister and brother-in-law for more than ten years, while continuing her selfless work in the church at First Church of God in Christ under Robert Robinson where she continued to serve in various departments and as the church Mother.

Later in life, the Lord blessed Darlene with the opportunity to reconnect with her high school sweetheart, Elwood Charles. Their reunion blossomed into marriage, and together they shared happiness, companionship, and love in their later years.

Darlene's life was marked by faith, service, resilience, and love for family. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion to God, compassion for others, and strength through every season of life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Mother Charles is preceded in death by her husband Elwood Charles, her parents Bennie & Martha Smith, her siblings: 6 lost in a childhood house fire, 1 as an infant, Geraldine Terry, Ethel Mae Reid, Dorthy Byrd, Martha Ann Carr and many other nieces and nephews.

Mother Darlene Charles departed this life to sit with the Lord on May 6th, 2026, in Enid Oklahoma. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her surviving sister Clarene Perrry Maloy, her many children she loved throughout the years, grandkids, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, church family other relatives and many friends.

Condolences may be made, memories shared, and the services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.