Charlene Smith

Charlene Hemphill-Smith was born on December 21, 1966, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to the proud parents Charles and Rena Hicks. Charlene was the oldest of four siblings - Charles Jr., Jerome, and Yvette - all of Chicago, Illinois.

Charlene attended Carrie Jacob Bond Elementary School and graduated in 1982. She then continued her education at Bowen High School, where she completed her general studies and graduated in 1986. After high school, Charlene attended Dawson Technical Institute, where she eared her diploma as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Charlene loved helping people and had a heart full of kindness. She was a fun-loving person who enjoyed playing games, especially spades, jumping double dutch, swimming, and roller-skating. She cherished family gatherings, loved to cook, and enjoyed listening to music. Known as the "Queen of Homemade Macaroni and Cheese," Charlene's dishes brought joy to every event.

In 1986, Charlene met the love of her life, Patrick Smith Sr. They were united in marriage on November 3, 2007, in Gary, Indiana. Their union was blessed with three children: Keita, Kiara, and Patrick Jr. Charlene was called home to receive her wings on October 14, 2025.

Charlene was preceded in death by her father, Charles Hicks; grandparents Robert and Cleophus Green; grandmother Rena Hemphill of Champaign, Illinois; five uncles - James, Jimmy, Leonard, Paul, and Robert Jr.; two aunts - Lorraine and Patricia; and six cousins - Patrick, Bryan, James Jr., Lisa, Cynthia, and Constance, all of Chicago, Illinois.

Charlene leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving husband Patrick Smith Sr.; her mother Rena Hemphill; her children Keita (Michelle), Kiara (Jonathan, Patrick (Jerrice), and Charmell LaShun Daniels of Greenville, Mississippi; her brothers Charles Jr. and Jerome; her sister Yvette; three nephews - Christopher, Nicholas, and Ja'Rome Jr.; two nieces - Heipasia and Tassyana; three uncles - Ricky (Geraldine), Louis, and Michael; six aunts - Lena, Catherine, Joanne (Jimmy), Jeanette, Spring, and Denise; seventeen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two great-nephews, one great-niece, and a host of cousins, family, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Charlene's love, laughter, and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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