Charlene Avis Hamm

Charlene A. Hamm, age 75 of Warren, died Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Troy Campus of Beaumont Hospital. She was born on May 20, 1938 in Coeburn, Virginia, daughter of the late Conley Blevins and the late Elizabeth (nee: Brooks) Blevins.First and foremost, the telling of Charlene's story would be terribly remiss if not to begin with her faith. She was a born again, anointed, Holy Ghost filled Woman of God who loved her Lord, Jesus Christ with all of her heart, soul and mind. From early on, she was taught the uncompromising principles of faith and the discipline needed in order to follow in the path that God had laid out for her, and she abided by those principles and disciplines with an obedience that was near immeasurable this side of Heaven. And knowing she had no desire to do it alone, God provided Charlene the gift and blessing of a helpmate within her husband. The duo would spend the next 47 years side by side. At the age of 28, it was on March 5, 1966 that Charlene joined her beloved Walter in marriage, and the two would go on to nurture the warmth of home and hearth, raise five beautiful children, and grow deeper in love with each passing day. It was also in 1966 that these two newlyweds and lovebirds decided to leave the familiarity of their Virginia roots and plant new ones in Michigan, choosing Warren as their new home.In her earlier years, it was mostly about Charlene pouring the best of herself into the 5 little cherubs God had entrusted to her, and bringing them up in the ways of the Lord. Once they were adults and on their own, Charlene received the blessing of a different calling,…this time as an Assistant Pastor at the Free Pentecostal Holiness Church in Detroit, where Walter served as Pastor. Together they were quite the team, ministering the Word of God and making a difference in the lives of many throughout the years. Charlene was revered by all as the "Heart of the Church" for the way she held it all together with her skills of being organized, her unstoppable drive, and a determination that was unmatched by any. With persistence, assertiveness, and her gift as a prayer warrior, she was renowned for her leadership and hard work ethics that permeated within the church and its people. Charlene's intelligence and insightfulness were two important tools toward her ability to lead, and she was famous for taking on challenges head first. Where others might have balked, there was Charlene,…with the breastplate of righteousness as her protection and a shield as her strength, fighting the good fight of faith.Along with her leadership responsibilities at church, Charlene was also revered for her gifts as a preacher and Bible teacher,…and knew her Bible well, having spent a huge part of her life, daily, feeding from its knowledge and instructions. And it was through her immense faith and knowledge of God's Word that she was able to impact countless lives and teach with a caring spirit as a true mentor and coach. As the Bible states; "Consider others more important than yourself,"…Charlene had this down in spades. She was forever putting others first because it was the Godly thing to do.Yet for as much as she extended unto her church family, Charlene poured an even greater portion into the lives of her earthly family,…her treasure beyond words. If it's true that our children are a reflection of our parenting, than is it any wonder that she was affectionately known by them as "Char the Star" and describe their mother with traits like compassionate, thoughtful, sweet, precious, gentle, sensitive, warm, full of peace, Heart of the Family, Best Friend,…and perhaps the most shared adjective, "devoted." With her own brand of resilience and zest for life, Charlene was not only the greatest wife, mother and friend, but she was truly a "Champion" in all aspects of life. Along with her strong spirituality and the faith lessons learned, Walter and the kids will never forget what an fantastic cook Charlene was. She definitely knew her way around the kitchen and could work some incredible magic with her culinary talents. There was never a hungry belly to leave her table,…unless they just didn't have a clue, of course. And Charlene was known for her exquisite taste, as well. She loved to clothes shop and always look her best, especially being in the public eye. But she didn't just go at it piece-meal style,…no, she went for the whole enchilada and bought entire outfits to adorn herself and look the part of a blessed woman of God.And for those who knew her deeply and close, they'll not forget what a unique and genuine sense of humor she possessed and how vital she found laughter to be an important aspect of life. She loved a good joke and enjoyed being a bit silly and goofing around from time to time. She had her own brand of being witty, comical and spunky, but always within the confines of good, clean fun.All we can do is speculate about Heaven, and what we'll hear Jesus ask or say on that fateful day. But if there was ever a candidate born who pleased God and is worthy of hearing Him say; "Well done, my good and faithful servant"…it is definitely his little girl & shining star, Charlene Avis!A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Charlene leaves behind a storehouse of wonderful memories for her loved ones to cherish and a legacy of love that will continue on through the hearts and lives of those God helped to mold with the care and loving-kindnesses of His hand on her life and ministry. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Charlene was the cherished wife of Walter. Loving mother of Janice (Jeffrey) Blevins, Joseph Hamm, Walter Hamm Jr., David Hamm, and the late Charles Hamm. Devoted grandmother of Jewell Blevins, Jessica (Justin) Leach, Jennie (Josh) Lawson, and Jannika (Jesse) Johnson. Caring great-grandmother of Lydia, Logan, Jaden, Isabella, and Bentley. Charlene's Michigan Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 30th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. Additional Visitation will be held on Monday, December 2nd at the Castlewood Funeral Home, 80 Donnie Dean Drive in Castlewood, Virginia. Her Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00am on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Temple Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Castlewood, Virginia. Please share memories of Charlene at her memory book above or at the Castlewood Funeral Home site.