SUFFOLK, VA – Charlene Evans Raven, 48, passed away peacefully March 29, 2013 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Ahoskie on June 4, 1964, Charlene graduated from Ridgecroft School in 1982 and received an Associates Degree in Computer Programming from Roanoke-Chowan Technical College in 1985.  She lived in Reidsville, NC for many years before moving to Suffolk, VA in June 2011.  Charlene was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and enriched the lives of many with her wonderful laugh and sparkling gorgeous eyes.

A woman of many achievements and talents, Charlene’s main passion was spending time with family and friends.  Possessing an uncompromising passion for education, she worked as an educator in the Rockingham County Head Start Program.  Although her illness progressed, in 2011 she continued her education by achieving her second Associates Degree in the field of Early Childhood Education from Rockingham Community College.

A member of Burton Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Charlene’s beautiful voice could be heard in the choir.  She served as Assistant Girls Scout Leader for her twin daughters Girl Scout troop and enjoyed many hobbies, including arts and crafts, sewing and couponing.

Surviving are her husband, Gary Raven, Sr.; mother, Mary Knight Linkous and husband, David; father, Ronald Evans and wife, Nanci; sisters, Robin Evans Burkett and husband, Dale, and Amy Evans Hardy and husband, John; and brother, Tom Linkous and wife, Kelly.  Charlene will be missed by her children, John Raven and wife, Heather, Gary Raven, Alex Matelski, Matt Raven, Jenny Raven and Janie Raven; her three grandchildren, Jaclynn Raven, Regan Dudley, and R.J. Matelski; a niece, Jessica Rae Burkett; and two nephews, Jarrett Dale Burkett, and Ethan John Hardy.

Charlene was preceded in death by maternal-grandparents E.B. Knight Sr., and Janie Knight Ozmore; and paternal grandparents, Jessie R. Evans, and Fruzzie Rebecca Evans.

Funeral services will be held at Winton Baptist Church, 203 Main Street, Winton, NC, on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie.  A reception following the burial will be held at the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, or to a college fund to be set up at Wells Fargo Bank.  The family would like to thank Sentara Home Care Services, Hospice Program for the compassionate care and support Charlene received while in their care.