Charlene Carter Johnson

Charlene “BaBee” (pronounced BAY-Bee) Carter Johnson

September 6, 1947 – August 1, 2016

Charlene Carter Johnson passed away at home in her sleep early Monday morning after a 10 year battle with cancer. She was the first of three children (Roy Lee and Charles David) born to Charles Carter and Mary Lee Jenkins in Oakdale, LA on September 6, 1947. She spent most of her childhood living in Elizabeth, La where she joined the Starlight Baptist Church. She was baptized by Reverend J.W. Gibbs and was also the Sunday school secretary. Charlene graduated from Allen High School (Oakdale, La) in 1965 as the class Salutatorian. Charlene then attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. Where she pledged to the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1967. Charlene graduated in 1969 as magna cum laude and Business Class Marshall with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

After graduating from Southern University, Charlene got her first job as an auditor with CPA firm Coopers and Lybrand in 1969. Charlene then moved to Los Angeles, California in 1970. She would go on to become an Accountant for Union Federal Savings and Loan in the early 1970s. Her Accounting career continued with several other financial institutions spanning a career in banking of over 40 years. The one constant in her working career was her good friend Maria Yu. They would both collaborate and help each other in expanding their knowledge base in the field of Accounting. In Charlene’s personal life she met fellow Louisianan Louis Johnson and was married on October 28, 1970. Charlene and Louis would have three children together, daughters: LeTrese, Nicole and Courtney. Much of her time she devoted to exposing them to different cultures and visiting different places. They would also welcome a grandson Kevin in 1995 to whom she doted upon greatly.

Charlene was an avid reader. Her book collection spanned in the thousands. She would take books everywhere she went, even bringing multiple books at a time with her on many outings. With the advent of the e-reader it enabled her to have books at her disposal, however she still brought a few hard copies just in case. As technology became more advance Charlene kept up with her kids even teaching herself how to use an Android cell phone. Charlene loved to learn new things and taught those in her life that learning new things only creates added value to yourself. There was no such thing as learning too much.

Charlene was the kindest, gentle, and most self-sacrificing person we knew. She knew how to appreciate the little things, even if she had already experienced them a thousand times before. Throughout her life, Charlene maintained a can do attitude, and good sense of humor even though the odds were against her. Even during her 10 year battle with cancer she managed to do it all through quiet strength and a smile. For this and many other reasons we will miss her bright light.

Charlene is survived by her husband Louis of Gardena, CA, brother Charles David (Georgia) and nephew Charles David II of Houston, TX, daughter LeTrese of Gardena, daughter Nicole of Gardena, daughter Courtney of Gardena, grandson Kevin of Gardena, and a great aunt Lillie. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Carter and Mary Lee Jenkins, as well as a twin brother Roy Lee. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the City of Hope in order to help find a cure for cancer.

https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/fundraise?fcid=725259

Arrangements under the direction of Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, Torrance, CA. Funeral will be August 19, 2016 at 10am.