Charlene Lachelle Ivory-Miller was born in Amarillo, TX, on Thursday, November 11, 1982, to Ozzie Barnes, Sr., and Nelda Fay Ivory. Charlene achieved her primary education in Amarillo then moved to San Diego, CA, in 1998 completing her secondary education at Helix Charter High School in 2001. She initially pursued a career in nursing, but the arts were calling her name. After a couple of exploratory pit stops in Tennessee and Colorado, Charlene found her way to Las Vegas, NV where she landed a few modest roles in entertainment. During this time, she worked full time as a customer service manager for a national discount retailer. After deciding to start a family in 2007, Charlene chose to return to her humble beginning of Amarillo. Her former training in nursing proved beneficial as she served in professional home health and childcare services. This experience led to her proudest career endeavor as a Volunteer Supervisor with the Amarillo Area CASA. She was proudly employed and selflessly served at Amarillo Area CASA for the past eight years as an advocate for the placement of local abused and neglected children in safe and nurturing environments.
Charlene was a devoted and fun-loving mom, daughter, sister, and friend who gave the best of her last to help others. She faced life's challenges with an exceptional determination to succeed. In her spare time, she continued to enjoy a full range of the arts from singing and dancing to poetry and painting. She took advantage of any opportunity to express her creativity whether at home, school, church, or work. After her primary passion of the arts, Charlene mostly appreciated spending quality time with family and friends. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of truly knowing her.
Remaining on this side of glory to honor her memory is her daughter, Nylah A. Miller; Mama, Nelda Fay Ivory; companion, Kavon Cushion; honorary daughter and grandchildren, Kavonne “Nae Nae” Cushion & family (Niyari and Shivory); sisters, Mary Elaine Williams (Fred Williams, Morri and Kyana), Elizabeth Barnes-Freeman & family, Annie Mae Barnes & family; brother, Ozzie Barnes Jr. and family; best friend, Ellenecia Wiley; and a commendable host of loving uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews and supportive friends.
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