Charlene Fenn never met a stranger

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Charlene Fenn passed away at the age of 71. Though she had fallen ill some time ago, she had made a recovery and had seemed to be her usual lively self, though perhaps a bit slower. Her sudden death came as a shock to everyone who knew her.

She was a friend to everyone and that included me. We met years ago at Jacques when it was at the Battlefield Inn. She started talking to us and was still talking the last time I saw her, not long ago.

The time before that I ran into her at Morgan’s Grocery and she noticed I wasn’t wearing my COVID-19 mask and asked if I needed a mask. She ran out to her car and produced 3 hand-made masks and proceeded to tell me about how she made them. Charlene spoke with a Northern accent. She moved south several years ago and never picked up the accent preferring to speak in her northern drawl, an accent that was familiar and comforting to me.

She loved her family and made sure you got to see the latest photo and spoke about what they were doing, who they resemble in family history and how they got along.

Charlene’s daughter, Teresa, is married to Craig Danczyk, the recently retired Fire Chief in Vicksburg. Every Tuesday night they could be found at Los Parrilleros enjoying the company, eating a good meal and fellowship. If you were there you would hear Charlene’s laugh.

Her best friend is Ted McNemar. Those two were/are a team and it makes me so happy to see the family include Ted as her best friend and family in the obituary.

Ted McNemar and Charlene Fenn are all dressed up.

It seems the friendliness and inclusiveness that Charlene shared with everyone was passed on to the next generation. Ted, my heart breaks for you as much as for Teresa and the family. Everyone who knows you and Charlene knows how you enriched each other’s lives. Celebrate the good memories, friend.

My old friend Charlene, until the next time we hang out and talk about family, friends and which is a good scotch.