Mrs. Charlean Boykin Alston's Obituary
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. - Psalm 23:6
Our beloved matriarch, Mrs. Charlean Boykin Alston, entered into eternal rest on May 13, 2024. She has joined her beloved husband, James, and together they shall rejoice in the house of the Lord.
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Mrs. Charlean Boykin Alston transitioned on Monday, May 13, 2024, at age 93 in Missouri City, Texas surrounded by her loving family. She was the fifth child of eight children born to the late Charlie and Mamie Boykin on October 27, 1930, in Brighton, Tennessee. In 1948 she married the love of her life, James Otis Alston, Jr.; and in 1949 they moved to Elkhart, Indiana. They were married for 44 years until his death in 1994 and, to this blessed union they were blessed with four children.
Mother Alston started her secondary education at Frazier High School in Covington, Tennessee, and completed it at Elkhart Central High School in Elkhart, Indiana. Additionally, she attended Indiana University in South Bend, Indiana. She was employed by Miles Laboratories (now Bayer) for 21 years.
Mother Alston accepted Christ at the age of twelve at Mt. Tipton AMC Church in Covington, Tennessee where she not only attended church service, but also Sunday School and Young Peoples Willing Workers (YPWW). After relocating to Elkhart, the family joined Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Gospel Chorus for over 50 years, Missionary Society, and Pastor's Aid Auxiliary. She served as Secretary of the Indiana State Congress and was a member of its Mother's Board. She loved teaching Sunday School and Baptist Training Union (BTU). Under her guidance, many became ministers, deacons, musicians, and committed lay people.
After relocating to Houston Texas, she joined Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (WABC), where she became active in Women Called by God under the leadership of Rev. Vannessa Hendrickson, which was later organized as Women Anointed by Christ led by Rev. Avis Thomas. She also participated in Noon Bible Study, Ruth Circle, Faith and Works Sunday School, and Family Connection Corps. In 2008, Mother Alston was honored as a WABC Living Legend.
Preceding her in death, are her parents, Charlie and Mamie Boykin; her brothers, Rudolph Boykin, Hurschel Boykin, Floyd Boykin; sisters, Helen Coleman, Betty Mae Calhoun, Ollie Edmonds; her grandson, Lamar (Marty) Gregory, and the love of her life, her husband, James Otis Alston, Jr.
Mother Alston leaves to cherish her memory a legacy of five generations of love, including her children, Gloria (Kenneth) Fikes, Dwight (Stephanie) Alston, Kenneth Alston, Renee Pulliam, and a daughter-in-love, Janet Alston; sister, Geraldine (Earnest) Braggs, her grandchildren, Tami Gregory, Eric Gregory, Kacey (Briana) Alston, Jerrikka (Alan) Lorenz, Thomas Alston, Kahanna, Liana, and Charity Pulliam; great-grandchildren, Tyler (Katy) Scott, Tremell Scott, Taylor Scott, Alexis Gregory, Heidi and Hunter Lorenz, Cameron, Kari, Kai and Karter Alston, Nico and Kaeo Pulliam, Ira and Heir Pulliam; great-great grandchildren, Trinity, Trinten, Talayah, and Trinae Burnett, Tremell Scott Jr, and unborn baby Scott. Her memory is treasured as well by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In the loving words of Mother Alston: Put God first in your life, love your family and friends, be quick to forgive when wronged, always keep a smile on your face, love in your heart, and don't block your blessings!
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