Charlene Jean Malone

Charlene Jean Malone was born on May 3rd, 1961, in Cleveland, Ohio to Jean and the late Garnell Malone. She was the fourth of five children born to this union.

She was educated through the Cleveland Public School District, graduating from Glenville High where she was a member of the “Tarblooders” basketball and volleyball teams.

After high school, Charlene attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. During that time, she was a member of the Lady Bulldogs basketball team where she was named S.I.A.C. Female basketball player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal in her first year. The following year, she was named “female athlete of the year”. She continued to play for the Lady Bulldogs throughout her four years at Fisk, continuing to break records in scoring, assists and steals. On November 9th, 2018, Charlene was inducted into the Fisk University Sports Hall of Fame for outstanding achievements as an All American and All Conference in Basketball at Fisk University.

Charlene’s love for basketball began very early. In elementary school, she had already developed dribbling and shooting skills equal to those much older. She mirrored her skills after her uncle Leonard, whom she had watched since she was very young. She began formally playing basketball at Patrick Henry Jr High School under coach Forman. However, it was her high school coach, Gretchen Taylor, that took a young Charlene and cultivated her basketball skills, teaching her the complete dynamics of the game. It was here where Charlene polished her skills and became a complete player. She regularly led her team in points scored, assists, and steals.

Charlene had a genuine love for dogs, music, and food. She played the trumpet and could watch documentaries and scary movies for days. She departed this life suddenly on Saturday, September 16th. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother Jean, daughter Shannon Loree, brother Garnell Alan (Gwen), sisters, Dee (Micheal) Hopkins, twin Arlene (Mark) Hightower, Colette Turner, Audrey Langston, niece Alanna (great nieces Aniya and Laila / great nephews Jaylen and Patrick Jr.) along with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives and friends. Her father, Garnell, and brother, Steven, preceded her in death.

Charlene Jean Malone will be missed by all and will never be forgotten.

A wake for Charlene will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Malone family.