Charlene Kay (Simmons) Kent

Mrs. Charlene Kay Kent, 68, of Lumberton, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2021. Charlene was born the youngest of four girls to C.B. Simmons and Mary Currie Simmons in Crowley, LA on June 19, 1953. Growing up in a family of six, Charlene learned at an early age the meaning and value of family. Always close to her sisters, Charlene was proud to call them among her best friends throughout her life. Quick with the right words for any situation and ever the supportive friend, sister, and wife- Charlene truly wanted those she loved to be happy and healthy above all else. As life moved forward for Charlene, she would graduate from French High School c/o ’72 and go on to enter into the work field; eventually Charlene made her way to TX DOT and worked 30 years there before retiring to spend more time with her family. Married to the love of her life Jim Kent for more than 37 years, Charlene and Jim had one son who would be the center and light of Charlene’s life from the moment he was born. Charlene was a wonderful mother, completely supportive of whatever Scott wanted to do in his life from sports to music and dreams. Many happy evenings were spent in the Kent home watching Charlene’s Dallas Mavericks play basketball, because Charlene never missed a game. Always ready to enjoy life, Charlene loved country music, cowboy boots, and her signature color of teal, all used to brighten up the moment and the mood whenever possible.

Charlene grew up in church with a deep love of the Lord. It is no surprise the God put Jim and Charlene together through church, and that shared love of each other and the Lord only strengthened their partnership over the years. In these last few years, missing church, and the fellowship there was particularly hard for Charlene, but it never stopped her from using her positive attitude and heart for Jesus to encourage, uplift, and comfort those around her.

The scope of the lives this special woman impacted may never be truly realized, but her legacy of love and laughter will live on in each person she knew. While we grieve Charlene in our hearts, know that she is waiting patiently in Heaven for those she knew and loved to join her. As she waits, know she’s found her hearts desire in meeting her grandchild for the first time in Heaven with his other grandmother, Teresa Wagner, to keep her company as they spoil the little angel they both prayed so hard for.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband James "Jim" Kent of Lumberton; her son, Scott Kent and wife Lacey of Beaumont; her sisters, Glenda Burgins and Sharron Terry; numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones; and a host of friends and individuals whose lives were made better for knowing Charlene.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents, C.B. Simmons and Mary Currie Simmons; her sister Patricia Murphy; and her much loved and wanted grandchild.

Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Turnage, John Lockett, Aaron Aldrich, Steve Morgan, Rodrick Bluiett, Steven Morgan, and Johnathan Morgan. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Wagner and Larry Kemp.

To honor the life of Charlene the family will have a time of visitation on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lumberton Family Funeral Home (766 S Main St., Lumberton, TX 77657). A Celebration of Life for Charlene will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Victory Temple in Beaumont, TX. Charlene will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 1:00 PM.

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