Willema "Charlene" Stephens passed away peacefully at 91 years of age, October 9, 2023 with her family by her side.

She was born Willema Charlene Davis in Astoria, Ore. on August 27, 1932, to Charles M Davis and Willema Z Coulter Davis. She grew up in the Portland Metro area and attended Fernwood Grade School, and Grant and Vancouver High Schools.

Charlene married Carl Kelly Stephens Jr in 1950, and they welcomed 5 children, Carol Lakey (Randy), Kathleen Leech (Rodney), Charles Stephens (Donna), Laura Wilson (Troy), and Carl "Kelly"Stephens III (Rhonda).
The family spent many happy years in the Milwaukie area, where she made lifelong friends.

Charlene was a talented vocalist as a young woman, singing on local radio programs and later in her church choir. She was a gifted artist in oil painting and needlework, and an exceptional seamstress. With a great interest in her family history, she worked to catalogue her ancestry in beautiful scrapbooks to pass down to future generations.

She enjoyed camping and cribbage, and was nearly unbeatable at scrabble. She also had a love of antiquing and collecting china, glassware, and dolls.

Charlene worked for a time as a bakery and a deli manager for Cub Foods/Winco, but her greatest work was the time spent as a homemaker, wife, and mother. Her home was where the neighbors, children, and friends always gathered. She loved hosting holiday get togethers where all were welcome. Charlene was an amazing cook and planner and the heart of her big extended family.

Described by those that knew her best as generous, compassionate, nurturing, devoted, warm, witty, and magnanimous, she was truly loved by all and will be missed immeasurably.

Charlene is survived by her two sisters, Edeane Kendler and Cheryl Gafner; her 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her nephews Joseph Patzer and William Thompson, and her niece Dori Abernathy.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 24th at the
Knappa Prairie Cemetery
92868 Knappa Dock Road Knappa, Oregon