Walterene R. Charles

Walterene Rebecca Charles was born on February 21, 1946 to the union of Walter and Ludy B Nemrod in Orange, Texas. The family relocated to San Diego when she was 2 years old. She spent not only her childhood but the rest of her life in San Diego. She received her formal education and graduated from San Diego High School, formerly known as “The Grey Castle”. Walterene accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C. Johnson. In 1964, Walterene met and married Edward Barrett Jr. To this union 3 beautiful daughters were born, Jennifer Lynn, Michelle Robin and Mayangi, more affectionately known as Minga. Their daughters Jennifer and Michelle preceded them both in death. She later met and married Lee Charles, no children were born to this union. Walterene planted her roots in San Diego and began her work history at Van Kamp Sea Food cannery. She then chose a different career path and became a CNA. She worked for more than 20 years providing home healthcare services in San Diego County until she medically retired in 2005. Her retirement was necessary because she had to begin dialysis. She never lost faith during this time. She was blessed because her baby, her youngest daughter Minga was a match and donated her kidney. She was a 20+ year transplant survivor. Obituary Walterene was known for her cooking. She fed everybody!! She had a green thumb for growing collard greens and loved cooking them amongst everything else. Everyone flocked to her and she would often have a house full. Even as her health declined, she chose to provide care for her longtime companion Eddie Robinson who she loved. Declining health didn't stop her concern for her loved ones in her last days. When asked if she wanted to eat, she would ask those in the room if they wanted to eat before answering. She fought the good fight. She said she wanted to see her earthly father and her heavenly father. Whether you called her mommy, mom, granny, GG, ainee(ānē) or even little lady she touched all of our lives! On April 1, 2025 at 8:30pm God called our gift, His child home. She leaves to cherish her love, her memory and celebrate her life, daughter Mayangi/Minga Stephenson of Lemon Grove,CA, companion Eddie Robinson, San Diego, CA, stepchildren Monique Barrett, Arbra Barrett and Edward Barrett III, Little Rock, AR, grandson Meredith Jimision II, Ontario, CA, great grandson Meredith Jimison III, Winchester, CA, brother Ben Crawley, San Diego, CA, nieces Sharon Winters, Yuma, AZ, Antoinette Long, San Diego, CA, nephew Eugene Ward, Charleston, SC, cousins Peggy Armstrong and Helen Shaw, San Diego, CA. And a host of great, great-great nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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