Charlene Shakir

Charlene Nadirah Shakir, a strong woman of powerful faith. She lived a life devoted to God, which was evident just by being in her presence. Charlene was born to the late Harrison and Lena Smith on the 3rd July, 1947 in Hamilton Parish, Bermuda. She was the eighth child of eleven children - nine girls and two boys. As it was so many girls, they were often referred to as the Smith Girls right up until this day. You could never see one without seeing the others nearby. In her early years, Charlene was educated at Cripple Gate School, Francis Patton, and St. George’s Secondary before going overseas to attend Albert College in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Charlene was not only beauty but also brains as she was the valedictorian in both High School and College. Charlene married Hassan Shakir and from that union they had four children, Hassan, Crystal, Camille and Nadirah. Her children and her family were the apples of her eye. Over the years, her family continued to grow as she was blessed with twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. As if Charlene’s family wasn’t big enough, she welcomed others with an open door, an open heart and open arms. You could not tell her that Boody and Dion were not her own. Charlene loved family and family time, including family vacations, holidays spent together, or simple afternoons in the park with her grandkids would bring her an abundance of joy. Charlene was an active member of the St. John’s A.M.E. Church on Wilkinson Avenue in Hamilton Parish. Whilst at St. John’s, she served on the Steward Board, Finance Committee, Usher Board, Pastor’s Aide, she was the President of the Ardent Workers, President of the Lay Organization, sang in the Gospel Choir and Senior Choir, prior to being a senior. Under her presidency, St. John’s hosted the High Tea and Hat Show, Sweetheart Supper, several Gospel Cruises and many other memorable fund-raising events. In the early 70s Charlene worked at Archie Brown & Sons, then returned to being a homemaker. Whilst a homemaker she was an avid seamstress. Always making sure her children had school uniforms and matching outfits for special occasions. After raising her children Charlene returned to the workforce in 1983 at Bermuda Fire & Marine (BF&M) until retirement. In 2005, Charlene faced sudden health challenges which left her with paralysis. Consequently, she relocated to Atlanta, GA with her children and grandchildren in order to receive the best possible care for her rare condition. Despite physical health challenges, her faith in God only grew stronger. She has always been ambitious and determined and this was no different as she faced these challenges head on with strength and a smile on her face. Without hesitation, her children stepped in to make all the necessary adjustments to make mom’s life as easy and as comfortable as possible. After relocating to Atlanta, she joined River of Life A.M.E. Church. Although, she was physically challenged that did not stop her involvement. Charlene was a prayer warrior, missionary and active member. She enjoyed attending services, prayer meetings and church events even on her more challenging days. The hardest part of this transition was being apart from her sisters; she thought and spoke of them often. When Charlene celebrated her 60th birthday, her sisters and church family from Bermuda came to celebrate with her. She was indeed honored and delighted to be able to celebrate with her family. This date was forever etched in her heart. As previously mentioned, Charlene was a prayer warrior, not only at church but at home and in the community. She would not only pray for herself and her family, but she would pray for all others with and without their knowledge. She was often called upon at church and family gatherings to lead in prayer as it was known that Charlene’s prayers would reach the heavens. However, we would avoid asking her to say grace, because the food would have to be reheated, whenever she got done. Charlene’s work here on earth is done, and her promotion to glory has come. We are comforted in knowing that she will be singing and dancing on the streets of gold, without wheelchair, pain or suffering. She will continue to watch over, guide and protect us, until we meet again. Celebration of Life Services for Charlene N. Shakir will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 1:00PM. These services will be recorded and streamed live. In the event the service is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire service will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the service. https://vimeo.com/549658945

Tributes

Charlene Shakir

July 3, 1947 - May 10, 2021