Charlene was born on December 6, 1929, at the family home near Valliant, Oklahoma, to Clarence and Essie Williams. She attended Peaceful Home country school through the eighth grade. Charlene had to walk two and half miles to school with her siblings but her brother Clarence says it probably felt more like five miles to her since he was often riding on her back. She grew up in the days of the depression where her parents, Clarence and Essie, supported their family by picking peaches in California in the fall. Along the way in 1939 they stopped in Arizona to pick cotton where Clarence was born. Eventually the family made California their home working on a ranch and continuing to pick peaches and whatever work was available. After Clarence and Essie split up Essie married Bill Hunter and they moved back to Colorado to cut broomcorn. Charlene stayed in California with her sister Sue and Sue's husband until they had enough money to make the trip back to Colorado in 1945.
Charlene began working as a waitress in Springfield at the Jones Café where she met her cowboy, Kenneth (K. D.) Johnson. She thought he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. She went home the first day she saw Kenneth and told her mama that she had met the man she was going to marry. Kenneth and Charlene were married on February 19, 1947 in Clayton, NM. They began their married life together in a small camp trailer in Kenneth's parent's backyard. Kenneth built a house in Springfield and then later moved to Campo to the family farm. They were blessed with six children, Kay, Terry, Glen, David, Ray, and Miles. K.D. farmed and later started working for the Baca County Road and Bridge where he eventually retired. Charlene stayed home to raise the children until they were all in school. Later she worked for Clarence McQuistion making turquois and silver jewelry until they moved the business.
Charlene was always a strong supporter of the Campo School and served in many roles. She helped the school get the first district accreditation and also the first lunchroom. She also served as the PTA/PTO Chairperson for many years where she was instrumental in attaining funds for the school district for various projects. She was always very proud of her children's and her grandchildren's accomplishments in school and never missed a game until K.D.'s health failed.
Charlene's family was always her priority. Charlene prepared many, many suppers outside on the cook stove where all the children and grandchildren would gather for family fun for birthdays, holidays and often for no reason at all. Charlene also loved having her family home for Thanksgiving and Christmas as those were always very special occasions for her.
Charlene attended the Campo Baptist Church until her health prevented her from attending.
Charlene's last wish was granted when Miles moved in with her three years ago so she wouldn't have to go to the nursing home.
Her loving husband Kenneth D. Johnson preceded Charlene in death in 1998. She is survived by her children Kay (Mike) Thompson of Campo, CO; Terry (Dave) Butler of Las Cruces, NM; Glen (Rhonda) Johnson of Stinnett, TX; David (Becky) Johnson of Adrian, TX; Ray (Nikki) Johnson of Campo; and Miles Johnson of Campo, CO. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Howdy (Lanell) Huffman and Robin (Andy) Prosser; Aaron Swisher, Kenny (Amy) Swisher, and Jason Swisher; Michael (Sheila) Johnson; Elisabeth and Anna-Rebecca Johnson; Kristen, Kevin and Kasey Johnson; Brett Johnson, Brandy (Trey) Jagers, Brady, Bradly, and Brenden Johnson. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. She is also survived by brothers Clarence (Vi) Williams of Campo and Wilbert Williams of Saint Louis, MO. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Essie; her sisters Jewel, Sue, and Pearl and brother David; and granddaughters Kay Lynn and Jennifer.
Charlene will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.