Charlene Flemons

Service for Charlene Flemons will be 1:00p.m., Monday, November 24, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Claremore, Oklahoma.

Charlene Flemons, beloved matriarch, devoted mother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025 in Claremore, Oklahoma at the age of 93. She was born on November 7, 1932 in Plumerville, Arkansas, the daughter of Johnie Ladell and Cozetta (Moore) Steward. Charlene received her early education in her hometown before beginning a life’s journey defined by love, faith and generosity.

In 1949, Charlene was united in marriage to Alfred Alphonso Bell in Pasco, Washington and together they welcomed a family that would become her greatest joy.

In 1978, she married Azel Flemons in Seattle, Washington and continued building a home filled with warmth, hospitality and unwavering care. Charlene spent most of her life in Wichita, Kansas where she opened her heart and home to family, friends and anyone in need of a comforting place.

In her final two years she embraced a new community in Claremore, where she was loved and supported.

Charlene was known for her gentle spirit, gracious hospitality and deep respect for others. Her home was a haven of acceptance—where conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the rooms and the aromas of her legendary pound cakes and homemade jellies welcomed all who entered. A gifted quilter and gardener, she cultivated beauty not only in her home, but in the lives she touched. She also, delighted in singing with the church choir and found peace spending long, quiet hours at her favorite fishing spot.

Faith guided Charlene throughout her life. As a young woman, she was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Pasco, Washington; a congregation founded by her father- where her identity as a PK kid helped shape her strong spiritual foundation.

In the years that followed, she worshipped at Worldwide Church of God in Christ in Dardanelle, Arkansas and later at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma. Her devotion to the Lord was steadfast and evident in the compassion she showed to others.

Family was at the heart of everything Charlene did. She took immense pride in nurturing her eight children; instilling in them resilience, strength and enduring love. Her affection extended far beyond her immediate family. Charlene is survived by her children: • Juanita Joyce Grisby and husband Henry Grisby, Jr. • ReGena Louise Roberts and husband Colvin Lee Roberts • Kenneth Ray Bell and wife Betty • Renea Estella Mitchell and husband Lionel Mitchell, Jr. • Arlene Lavern Bell • Donna Murphy • Lionel Paul Hall and wife Krystal • Elliott Hall and wife Valeda.

She also leaves to cherish her memory numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Johnie Ladell Steward, Cozetta Steward, and Voicy Mae Steward; her husband, Azel Flemons; her siblings, Mary Calhoun and Johnie Ladell Steward, Jr.; and her children, Alfred Alphonso Bell, Sheryl Lynn Bell, and John Allen Bell.

Charlene’s warm heart, generous spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of kindness and devotion will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.