Charlene June Burdeaux Crain was a New Year’s baby, born on January 1, 1938, to Floyd F. and Lillian Holston Burdeaux. She was always quick to tell you, with her characteristic sense of humor, “No, I did not receive the New Year’s prizes!” At the time of her birth, her parents lived just outside the city limits, which disqualified Charlene from receiving the gifts. Charlene never missed an opportunity to tell that story and make people laugh.

Charlene was raised in Bogalusa, Louisiana, where she attended the Bogalusa City School System and was an active member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. It was there, through the many church activities, that she met the love of her life, Hiluard Lavan “H. L.” Crain. They shared 67 years of marriage and a lifetime of faith, family, service, and love.

Charlene and H. L. were lifelong members of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Throughout the years, Charlene served faithfully on various committees and taught several Sunday school classes. She also served at one time as a Bluebird leader, leading a flock of girls who loved her dearly. Whenever there was a need for a leader, helper, or member of a support team, Charlene was ready to step in.

Charlene loved people. She had a wonderful gift for making others feel welcome, and she especially enjoyed making people laugh. She worked for many years at Rosenblum’s, where she brought that same warmth and humor to her customers in the shoe department and later at Children’s Fashion on Avenue F.

A creative and talented woman, Charlene enjoyed playing the piano by ear, writing children’s stories, and painting. Her paintings became treasured gifts to those who received them, and many of her works still hang in homes today. They will continue to serve as lasting reminders of her creativity, talent, and love. Her most treasured time was spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as extended family and friends. She also cherished her two fur babies, Fancy and Lotus, whom she loved dearly and who held a special place in her heart. They brought her countless moments of love, comfort, and companionship.

After H. L.’s passing, Charlene moved to her daughter’s home in Flowood, Mississippi, where she was surrounded by family and continued to be loved and cared for. The Lord called Charlene home on August 11, 2026, at the age of 88.

Charlene is survived by her daughter, Donna Crain Guy (Rick) of Flowood, Mississippi; her son, Nick Crain of Calico Rock, Arkansas; and her brother-in-law, Luke (Lisa) Crain of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, whom she lovingly welcomed as “Granny”: Haley Ashe Whitlock (Chris) of Brandon, Mississippi; Alan Guy of Flowood, Mississippi; and Josh Crain (Shannon) of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Charlene was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Lillian Robinson of Nashville, Tennessee; Hayden Whitlock of Brandon, Mississippi; and Shalin Harry, Julia, and Matthew Crain of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

She was affectionately known as Aunt Charlene, or Aunt Charley, to many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hiluard Lavan “H. L.” Crain; her parents, Floyd F. and Lillian Holston Burdeaux; and her brother, Floyd Ray Burdeaux (Helen).

Charlene leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, creativity, service, and love. She touched countless lives through her church, her work, her art, and most of all, through the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her laughter and stories will be remembered, her paintings will continue to speak of her talent, and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of Charlene’s life will be held at the sanctuary of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family are lovingly invited to attend and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who brought joy, laughter, faith, and love to so many.