On June 11, 2018, our precious mother, Charmaine Denham, passed away peacefully. Born July 7, 1929 in St. Francisville, LA and grew up in Olla, LA, where she graduated from Olla Standard High School. She talked fondly of her memories and time spent with the nuns and friends while attending the College of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, LA. Whether she was known as “Mama” to her children, “Mamaw” to her grandchildren, “Shim” to her sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins; all knew the same steadfast, devout Catholic, sweet, strong, loving person. She enjoyed reading; her 4pm daily call from her sister, Helen; feeding her birds; and spending time with family and friends. Handicapped and paralyzed at the age of 18 months old, she overcame any adversity and still kept that sweet smile and glisten in her eye. Her strong faith was an inspiration to many. She was often called by friends and family to pray novenas and rosaries for them. To sum it up, our mom was AMAZING and loved by many!
She is survived by her son Dewitt Denham (Holli); 2 daughters, Theresa Michelle Aston (Greg) and Angie Denham; 6 grandchildren, Clay, Dylan, Seth, Mack, Jaxon and Gabbi; 3 great grandchildren Kloey, Kade and Ava Grace; 2 sisters, Booney Salsbury and Helen Gilliam (Giles); brother, Herschel Vinyard (Dot); and many nieces and nephews. She was also survived by her special friend and adopted daughter, “Ms. Brenda”. She was preceded in death by her precious beloved granddaughter, Kayla Denham; her parents, Herschel and Mamie Vinyard; and nephew, Mark Salsbury.
Visitation will be at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville, LA, on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 10:00am until 11:45am Mass of Christian Burial starting at 12:00pm. Followed by internment at Serenity Oaks Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Seth Denham, Mack Harger, Clay Curry, Dylan Tullier, Jaxon Kleibert, Cory Wicker.
The family would like to thank Dr. Yorek and all his nurses for the loving care of our mom, along with thanking Dr. Hansen, Dr. Raven, Dr. Bonnecaze, and Dr. Castle at Mary Bird Perkins. Most importantly, Thank You to our dear, “Ms. Brenda”, for taking such good care of our mom and keeping our mom smiling!