Charlene Rowena Hargraves

Charlene Rowena Hargraves, a beacon of warmth and love, peacefully departed this life on May 28, 2026, at the age of 76. She was born on February 11, 1950, in the close-knit community of Chestertown, Maryland, where the seeds of her compassionate spirit were first sown. Charlene was the beloved daughter of Charles Oscar and Martha Jennette Lomax-Wright, who instilled in her the values of kindness and community service. Her parents, along with her cherished sisters, Gloria Teat, Helen Shorter, and Alberta Frazier, and her dear niece, Bridgett Roy, preceded her in death, undoubtedly welcoming her with open arms into the next realm. A proud graduate of Chestertown High School in Maryland, Charlene pursued higher education with vigor, earning her Bachelor's degree from Bowie State College in June of 1972. Her academic achievements were a testament to her dedication and passion for learning, qualities she carried throughout her life. Charlene's heart found its true home when she married her loving husband, Nathaniel Hargraves. Together, they built a blended family filled with love and laughter. She is survived by her devoted husband, Nathaniel, and her cherished stepchildren: Nikki Thompson, Sierra Hargraves, Tiffany Valery, Nathaniel Jr., and Jeffery Hargraves. Her sisters, Arlene Dorsey and Judith Nicolas, along with many extended family members and close friends, will remember her generous spirit and unwavering support. For over 30 years, Charlene was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Glen Arden International, where her presence was a blessing to all who knew her. She served diligently in the church's hospitality ministry, welcoming each person with a warm smile and a kind heart. Her commitment to her faith and community was unwavering, and her legacy will continue to inspire those she touched. Charlene's family will honor her life with a private funeral ceremony, respecting her wishes for an intimate farewell. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, a cause close to Charlene's heart, in her memory. Donations can be made online at https://www.stjude.org. The family offers a special message to all who mourn her passing: "When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart for every time you think of me, I am right there in your heart." Charlene Rowena Hargraves will be remembered for her boundless love, her dedication to those she treasured, and her unwavering faith. Her spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her, a gentle reminder of the profound impact one life can have on the world.