God, in His infinite wisdom, called our beloved Charlene Ester Hawkes Johnson to eternal rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.
Charlene was born on November 17, 1967, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Webster Davis and Annie Ester Hawkes. Unexpectedly, her mother passed away when Charlene was just two weeks old. She was lovingly raised by her sister and her husband, Yvonne and Lee Royal Hawkes, who nurtured her with care and devotion as their own child and who preceded her in death. Charlene was also preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Hawkes Williams and brother, Gary Lee Hawkes.
She was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia, and in November of 2023, she became a devoted member of Spring Hill Baptist Church.
A 1986 graduate of Bethel High School, Charlene furthered her education at Christopher Newport College while working at the Montgomery Ward Department Store. Her professional journey began as a Deputy Sheriff with the Newport News Sheriff’s Department, where she served with distinction for five years.
In 1997, Charlene relocated to Richmond, Virginia, and began her dedicated career with the Virginia Department of Corrections. She started as a Correctional Officer at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland, Virginia, and later transferred to Lunenburg Correctional Facility. After 20 years of exemplary service, Charlene retired in 2017.
In 2004, Charlene relocated to Blackstone, Virginia, where she built a home for herself and her children, Brianna and Durrell. In 2006, she met the love of her life, Lewis Johnson, and the two were united in holy matrimony on February 14, 2009.
Charlene leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted husband of 15 years, Lewis Johnson; her loving children, Durrell Hawkes, Brianna Thompson, Shawda Haskins, D’Andre Johnson, and Raheem Bragg.
She was a proud grandmother to Mireya Martin, Josiah Johnson, Kahlil Bragg, Princeton Gadson and others who brought her joy.
She is also survived by her brothers, Kermit Hawkes Sr. (Lucy), Alton Hawkes Sr., and Darrell Hawkes (Lisa); her sisters, Debbie Hawkes-Lee (James), Chandra Clark (Michael), and Angela Hawkes; father-in-law, Leonard Wallace; three sisters-in-law, Alice Johnson, Pam Howard, and Charlene Woodson; one brother-in-law, Leonard Johnson (Linda); her aunts, Alice Hawkes, Juanita Hawkes, Cathy Hawkes; two uncles, Ralph Williams and Ernest Hawkes, her godchild, Monique Morman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends; Kim Cloyd, Shirley Jackson, and Bernice Reed.
Charlene’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Charlene H. Johnson, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
19
Jan
504 East Street
Blackstone, VA 23824
Service
20
Jan
403 Spring Hill Road
Blackstone, VA 23824
Interment Greenview Cemetery, Entrance Rd., Blackstone, VA
