Charlene Alice Raby

Charlene Alice Williams Clack Raby, almost 90 years old, left her earthly body on June 11, 2021 to join her beloved husband, James Russell Raby.

She was born to the late Charles Alfred Williams and Edna Rosella Driscol Williams of Lakewood, Ohio. The oldest sibling of Judith Williams Schuster (Dean) and of the late John (Kay) and Bob (Dee). She was the loving mother of Charles Clack (Sharon), Sharon Clack Meade (Gary), Dennis Clack (Susie), John Raby (Kim), and James Raby Jr. She will be dearly missed by her grand and great grandchildren as she made each child feel special through her personalized crocheted blankets and her sending of favorite recipes.

Charlene gave her life to people in need, opening her heart and her home to those who needed it most. She played the role of a mother to many Cleveland locals as she owned and operated the West Tech Deli. Charlene's impact on others and her community was endless. Whether it was her work serving the developmentally challenged, her anonymous care packages she’d send to in need single mothers or soldiers in The Vietnam War; she never failed to find ways to lift others up and lead by example.

She settled down in Andover, Ohio to live out her golden years with her husband doing what they love; camping and being active members of the Eagles Club. Charlene had a knack for the arts as she lived to garden, cook and paint. Many would recall Charlene using oil paints back then to add color and personality to the black and white West Tech graduation photos, free of charge. Clearly she was ahead of her time in photography!

Unexpectedly, when she became a widow, she relocated to Florida with her son Jimmy who cared for her for over a decade. She appreciated the friends she had, the companionship of her parrot Paco, and the orange tree that blossomed yearly outside her window; however, still feeling like something was amiss after the loss of her soulmate, she returned home to her roots and to more family.

Graveside service will be held June 19th at The Garden of the Apostles, Brooklyn Heights Cemetery. We will gather at the entrance, located on Broadview Rd., at 11:15am where we will then proceed to the burial site together to put Charlene to rest. Charlene's Facebook page will remain open and all are welcome to post memories and final words to her there.