Charlene Hunter

In loving memory of Charlene Hunter, a beacon of faith and love, who was called home to be with the Lord on March 6, 2026, at the age of 80. She was surrounded by the love of her family in Colton, California. Born on April 1, 1945, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA, Charlene's effervescent spirit was a gift to all who knew her.

She moved with her family to Banning, CA at the age of 8. Charlene graduated from Banning High School in 1963. She worked at Deutsch and the Banning Shirt Factory before being hired at the Record Gazette Newspaper. With dedication and a willingness to learn, Charlene poured her heart into her career. She began as a typist inputting news stories, she worked in the press room and moved up to the front office, she learned paste-up before pagination was introduced. For 46 years, she was an invaluable employee at the Record Gazette, where her meticulous work and steadfast reliability made her a beloved figure among her colleagues. Her work ethic was unparalleled, and she inspired many with her professionalism and dedication.

Charlene's life was one of devotion-to her faith, her family, and her community. As a devout member of Shiloh Baptist Church, she embodied the Christian virtues of charity and service. She served with dedication as a member and former president of the Shiloh Baptist Church Usher Board as well as an active member of the Valley District Missionary Baptist Association. Her commitment to the church was unwavering and shaped the very core of who she was as a person.

Charlene was a cherished sister and aunt, survived by her twin brother Charley (Kris) Johnson, brother-in-law Petty (Tonya) Hunter, as well as sisters-in-law Diane Johnson, Linda Hunter, and Edna Andrews. Her love extended to her 13 nieces, 11 nephews, a multitude of great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, other family and friends who will miss her deeply. She now joins in Heaven her beloved parents, Johnny Johnson and Neotha Joseph, her stepmother Loretta Gibson, and her siblings Albert Johnson, Arthyl Stillwell, Johnnie Mae Arceneaux, Elsie Mae Pierre, Beverly Williams, and Raymond Johnson, as well as her ex-husband Willie Hunter. Each memory of Charlene will be treasured by those she left behind.

A woman of joy and community spirit, Charlene loved attending Bingo on Fridays at the Banning Senior Citizens Center, where her smile would light up the room. She was also a regular with a free popcorn card at the Banning Fox Theatre.

Those who knew Charlene best would describe her as faith-filled, loving, and selfless. She had an exceptional ability to see the best in people and to offer her support without hesitation. She was a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, and the impact of service to others. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we take solace in the knowledge that her spirit will forever be a guiding light in our lives. We praise God for the time He granted us with Charlene, for each moment was a gift that enriched our lives immensely. We are comforted by the words of Matthew 25:21, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." May Charlene rest in the eternal joy of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Charlene's funeral service will take place Monday, March 30, 2026, 10:00am at First Missionary Baptist Church, 332 N Allen St, Banning, Ca 92220. Burial will follow at San Gorgonio Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest next to her sister, Beverly Williams.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlene Hunter, please visit our floral store.