Charlene Roberts Kimbell was born on September 24, 1918 in Campbell, Texas to Ida Levert Brigman and Charles B. Roberts. She passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 in Houston, Texas at the age of 102 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles H. Kimbell, Jr.; and brothers Earl D. Roberts and Charles G. Roberts.
Charlene is survived by her sister Martha Dyer of Dallas, Texas; daughter and husband Karen and Henry Hair of Houston, Texas; granddaughter and husband Kimberly and David Brooke of Magnolia, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
She lived in Campbell almost all her life and graduated from Campbell High School in 1936 before attending Business School in Greenville, Texas. She worked in her father’s grocery store as a teenager and young woman. On March 28, 1942, she married Charles H. Kimbell, Jr. and seven years later, their only child, Karen, was born. Charlene was active in the community and participated in the PTA and many functions held at the Campbell Community Center.
Charlene’s strong faith in Christ served her well throughout her life. She was a member of the Free Methodist Church, and later the Campbell United Methodist Church. She served her church as pianist for many years, where she formed a close friendship and partnership with organist Bessie Nell Garrett. The two played beautiful music together at church services, funerals, weddings, and countless other events for years, until Mrs. Garrett’s death. Although she missed her dear friend Bessie Nell greatly, Charlene happily continued playing the piano for the church until she retired in her early nineties.
In 1957, she went to work in the Campbell Post Office as a postal clerk. In 1971, she became the Postmaster, where she performed her duties with pride and excellence. Charlene took her work very seriously, going so far as to personally deliver packages on Christmas Eve that arrived too late for normal delivery. After a 27-year career, she retired in 1984.
In 1986, Charlene and “Kimbell,” as she called her husband, welcomed Kimberly, their only grandchild, into their lives. Kimberly spent many fun days in Campbell with her Meme and Pop, experiencing small-town life and values. What a legacy they left her!
After Kimbell’s passing in 1995, she continued living in Campbell and mowing her large yard, her favorite pastime. She enjoyed taking care of her outside cats, and eating a Mr. Goodbar every day.
With the help of her niece, Laura Bankston, she was able to live in her home in Campbell until age 96, when she moved to Karen’s and Henry’s home in Houston. Three years later, Charlene moved to Cypresswood Memory Care. There, she received excellent care and support, being royally entertained with music and everything else she needed.
Charlene loved her family with all of her heart, especially her granddaughter Kimberly. She loved Campbell and all of her friends there. She loved mowing her yard, playing the piano, attending church, driving around town, and eating her daily chocolate. Above all, she tried to do everything right! She lived a good Christian life with the promise that she would one day go to Heaven, and her family is comforted by the fact that she is now united with Jesus Christ. What an incredible life she lived!
Pallbearers are Charlene’s nephews Charles Roberts, Michael Roberts, Garry Roberts, Landy Roberts, Robin Roberts, David Dyer, and Randy Roberts.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Benny Chaffin officiating. Visitation will be 10 A.M. until service time. Burial immediately following at Brigham Cemetery in Campbell, Texas.
We are requesting that you limit the size of the gathering during the viewing due to concerns regarding the current health crisis. Please feel free to come and pay your respects but limit your contact with others as per recommended guidelines from the CDC.
