Charlene Ann Banks Richards, 64, a resident of New Bern, NC passed Saturday, January 25, 2025 at her residence.
Funeral service is 11:00 AM, Monday, February 3, 2025 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, New Bern. Interment will follow at New Bern Memorial Cemetery.
Viewing will be from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM Sunday at the mortuary.
Charlene is survived by her children, Candace Richards and Vernon Harris of New Bern; siblings, Charlie Banks, VA, Timothy Banks, Greenville, Latane Banks, New Bern, Lois Torres, VA; two grandchildren
You will be truly missed.....My condolences to the family
Sending love and prayers to the Richards family. Sister Richards has known my family for years and when we moved home to New Bern, she took my son and I under her wing like an aunt. We will deeply miss her at the hall but look forward to the time when she will return to life in perfect health.
Sister Richards once told us that the life that we're living right now is like a train. Some of our friends are in the sleeper car and some of us are in coach as we continue our journey with Jehovah. Right now Charlene's in the sleeper car, taking her rest, but soon she will be back among us and how much we look forward to that day.
To the Family of Banks and Richard's Charlene was a person who always help others when in need . I needed help DSS her and Christal Renee. That Smile always remember her loving personality even got a chance to work with her in service was special to my heart she Love Jehovah. Often we auxiliary pioneer same months . I knew about those card games. She will be miss by many. God of Comfort to the family. Rev. 21:3,4
To the Family of Charlene Richards, Chris and I would like to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, grandmother, sister and friend. We know that this is a very difficult and stressful time for you. Charlene was a faithful servant of our creator, Jehovah God, throughout her life. She is now safe in his memory, with the prospect of living again in the promise to come. May our father, Jehovah, comfort your hearts and give you the peace that only he can provide. He has promised in Revelation 21:4, that soon death will be no more. And he guaranteed it in verse 5 by saying "These words are faithful and true". Melvin & Christine Tyre
I was so sad to learn of Charlene's passing. We worked together at Craven Social Services for several years. Charlene always had a great smile and a vivacious personality to go with it. She was fun to be with and will be missed by all of us who knew her. My sincere condolences to Charlene's family. May they find comfort and peace in the days ahead. Pinkie S. Moore
I was fortunate and worked with Charlene for many years. I always looked forward to her beautiful smile. She also had the prettiest complexion. Charlene had a way with people that worked to calm the most frustrated person. Her wit was beyond compare. She will be missed by her family and friends.
I met Ms. Charlene while working at DSS. She was a genuine sweet lady and will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to the Banks & Richards family! What a beautiful classmate inside & out! Never ran up on Charlene and she didn't have something positive or encouraging to say. Her smile was definitely infectious! Such a jewel who will be missed. Praying that God will comfort and strengthen the family as He heals their hearts.
To the Richard's and Banks family: I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, sister and friend. I pray that Jehovah will give you all a calm heart as you go through this very difficult time. Psalm 94;19 say that when anxieties overwhelmed us, Jehovah will comfort and soothe us. I look forward to seeing Charlene in Jehovah's righteous world where she will be healthy and happy again.
Charlene was loved by so many of us. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved Charlene. She loved Jehovah God and he loved Charlene. John 11:25 "I am the resurrection and the life." The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life Family I pray this helps comfort you. Love, Lisa and family
To the Banks Richard families. Charlene was a breath of fresh rain. My classmate and friend. Her joy, smile and freshness will truly be miss. We pray for the family that God will continue to give you the strength during and after these difficult times. God bless and keep you. Susan Mayfield-Barber
Beautiful Charlene, you will be missed. One of the most genuine people I have ever known. Your smile, spirit, candor, made everyone around you feel as the most special person in the world. May your light always shine. Fly high sweet angel. - Claudia
Kandice, Kenyon and family, I are so saddened at the death of Charlene. She was such a dear sister and friend. Her smile was so beautiful, I don't think I've seen her without her smile. She was a wonderful spiritual sister , a joy to be in the ministry with her. She truly loved Jehovah and talked about her experiences in the ministry. Afterwards she would say "I love it, I just love it". She was also willing to helped in practical ways whenever she could, which was always. I will certainly miss her. But " just a little while longer" we will enjoy her again in the resurrection on a paradise earth, where death will be no more. Revelation 21:3,4. Psalm37:29.
Lois and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your sister's passing. May the peace and comfort of God be upon you and your family during this time.
C. Jerome Foy/NBSHS classmate
We want to add our words of sadness to Kandice and Kenyon. Please may we include ourselves as her extended-spiritual family. Her death suddenly and unexpectedly adds to the loss. However Charlene may have been 'vertically- challenged ' in height but she made her presence known. Always the one to light up a room with her laugh or smile. Her knowledge of "all things New Bern" was so helpful to us, especially when we first moved here pre-Covid. She was always the first in line to offer help / assistance when the situation arose. Her joy came from her daughter and grandson who she spoke about regularly. Extra joy came from her devotion and service to Jehovah. It energized her so, she exerted herself as a full-time minister, especially after her secular retirement. We know that Jehovah will soon fulfill the promise spoken by his son Jesus at John 11:25.
We want to add our words of sadness to Kandice and Kenyon. Please may we include ourselves as her extended-spiritual family. Her death suddenly and unexpectedly adds to the loss. However Charlene may have been 'vertically- challenged ' in height but she made her presence known. Always the one to light up a room with her laugh or smile. Her knowledge of "all things New Bern" was so helpful to us, especially when we first moved here pre-Covid. She was always the first in line to offer help / assistance when the situation arose. Her joy came from her daughter and grandson who she spoke about regularly. Extra joy came from her devotion and service to Jehovah. It energized her so, she exerted herself as a full-time minister, especially after her secular retirement. We know that Jehovah will soon fulfill the promise spoken by his son Jesus at John 11:25.
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss.
Mattie Williams Jones
Fam, Our sincerest condolences with God's Blessings. Love Y'all Much, Barbara Hawkins Perry, Donnica & D'Onnica Perry !!!
Sending my prayers and condolences to the Banks and Richards family. I first met Charlene through her sister-in-law Angela Richards she had such a beautiful spirit. God Bless Rev. Cynthia Hargett and family and St. Matthew AME Zion Church Family
I worked with Charlene for many years and she could always make you smile/laugh. She was such a pleasure to work with over the years. She will definitely be missed. I will be praying for her family during this time.
Dear Candace, Kenyon, Banks family and Richard's family, My husband and I would like you to know how very sorry we are for the loss of your dear mom, grandma, sister and friend. Charlene was a dear friend to myself and my husband. Such a beautiful sister who always had a smile on her face and made you proud to call her friend. She always made sure to let you know how much love she had for the truth and Jehovah. And she enjoyed our card games. Oh how I'll miss that. Candace if we can do anything for you please don't hesitate to call me. Remember the words at Revelation 21:3,4 where we'll have no more pain, sorrow or death. And also the hope of the resurrection. What a wonderful promise. See you soon Char. Love, Troy and Kim
Charlene was one of my favorite people in my life! Seeing her brought joy to my heart. My favorite memory of her is when she hosted a going-away gathering for one of our dear ministers who moved to another state..She truly displayed "MI casa is SU casa". She allowed friends outside on the porch and whatever we needed inside the house to serve food, she told us where it was and we got it ourselves! Her personality was as lovely as her smile as you can see in her picture. I wish I could have expressed my love for her and I pray to Jehovah to allow me the chance!
To The Family,May God Grant You All Place At This Time,Charlene was a beautiful person ,great big smile when we came in contact with one other always something good to say about someone,begin my classmate we had good times lots of laughter,and smiles,just begin her friend was a pleasure, rest my classmate and friend, Tater(Class of 78)
I send my deepest condolences to the family. I am saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved mother. I pray that God will provide you all with comfort and strength during this difficult time. To be absent from the body is to be present with Jehovah God.
Skipper and Margaret Squires, send our condolences to the Banks family on losing your loved one Hopefully Rev.21: 3-4 will be here soon.
I am sending my condolences to the family. When someone we love dies its very painful. But the Bible talks about God doing away with pain at Rev 21:4. May the God of comfort provide solace to your family at this time.
To the Bank and Richard Family Condolences, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Candice and Kenyon please accept our sincerest condolences .Your mom/grandma lite up a room with her radiant smile and personality. Looking forward welcoming her back in the resurrection but in the meantime we will still be missing her.Praying for you and the entire family The Gorham's
Candace and Kenyon and the Banks and Richards families I extend my deepest heartfelt condolences to you. Charlene was caring, outgoing, joyful and could also talk some smack when it came to our card games. My heart is heavy with the loss of this wonderful friend and I look forward to the day we welcome her back when the promise of the resurrection she shared with so many takes place. Know we are here to support all of you through this difficult time. I loved her like family. 💔❤️ Linny
A tribute to a woman of God who loved at all times. Charlene was a light on Davis St. She not only watched out for her home but always kept a watchful eye out for everyone on our street. If she" saw something she would say something"! I will miss her smile and blowing her horn at each other while coming from work. I believe heaven has prepared a place for her in God's Kingdom. Family cherish her memories and continue her legacy of Love and compassion. Candy and Vernon well done in honoring your mother. Love you.
Charlene always greeted you with a warm smile, she had a great sense of humor. My prayers for her daughter and grandson especially but for all those who love her, she will be missed.
Words cannot express how I feel. Charlene touch the heart of many. Candice/Kenyan and entire Banks and Richard's family, you all are in my prayers. My dear friend will be missed so much. May Jehovah comfort all of you, as I look forward to seeing her again. Love you Larry & Sheila Tripp
Family, I am shocked and deeply saddened of the passing of Charlene. She was a good person, always had a smile on her face. She will truly be missed. Mike and Joan Sidberry
Candace, Kenyon and the entire Banks/Richards Family, Our hearts go out to you all on the passing of Charlene. She loved her family dearly and spoke of you so often. She was a wonderful woman, always ready with an all enveloping smile that was contagious. She's now in Jehovah's memory. Imagine the hugs and tears of joy when you welcome her back in the promised resurrection. Bill & Joyce Sharp
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.