Charlene Hardgraves Johnson of Paris, Arkansas, died Monday, May 1, 2023, at Paris Health and Rehab in Paris. She was born at home in Bennington, Oklahoma, at her grandmother Campbell's house on April 14, 1930. Her parents were Charlie Hardgraves and Virgie Campbell Hardgraves. Charlene was the daughter of a jewell coal miner. She was 93 years old.

She married the love of her life, Raymond Johnson, from Flat Top Mountain, Corley Community on May 26, 1946. World War II had just ended and their life together was just beginning. They were married for 74 years when Ray passed away in 2020. She was the wind beneath his wings. They were blessed with two children, Dennis Ray (DeAnn) Johnson of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Debra Ballew Hixson of Paris.

Charlene was a joy to those who knew her. She was always kind and laughing, putting others before herself. She spoke the most beautiful prayers that ever came from a person's lips. The family and friends were drawn to her warmth and she will be missed. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to trust in God, to get an education, and be happy.  She never judged, only encouraged. She kept us all laughing and playing together. Charlene was a writer. She wrote at least eleven novels.  Her books stretched from the War of 1812 in New Orleans to her return to Mount Magazine and Corley, her country home. She researched endlessly to ensure her novels were filled with factual history to surround her exciting stories.  All of the characters in her books could be recognized as from Arkansas and Oklahoma.

She was a wonderful homemaker and a blessing as a wife, a mother, a sister, daughter, and a sweet grandma. She had a talent with styling hair and many would ask her to do their hair.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3rd at Corley Cemetery in the community of Corley, near Paris, with the Rev. Harlin Brewton officiating. Burial will follow at Corley Cemetery all under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.  Public viewing will be at Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris from 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday until an hour before the service.

She leaves five grandchildren; Tom Ballew, Dusty Hight, Dray Johnson, Dane Johnson, and Nick Hixson; her grandson, Dion Johnson is deceased, but never forgotten. She leaves eight great-grandchildren; Keith Ballew, Caleb Ballew, Deana Johnson, Georgia Johnson, Emma Johnson, Dante Johnson, Paisley Hixson and Sawyer Hixson; her granddaughter, Danielle Ballew is deceased, but never forgotten. There are six great-great-grandchildren; Tidus Luke Ballew, Kaiser Ballew, Caleb Hayes Ballew, Brinley Johnson, Abby Ballew Wise, and Lexy Ballew Wise.

Charlene ventured to her final home in heaven where our Lord and Savior was waiting for her with open arms.  When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.