Charlene Dyson

Charlene Dyson was born on November 9, 1934, to John Henry Glispie and Hazel Blake Glispie in New Madrid, Missouri. She was the oldest of seven children. Charlene accepted Christ at an early age. She lived in New Madrid, Missouri until she was six years old and moved to Chicago to live with her Aunt Odessa Blake after her mother passed away during childbirth. While living with Aunt Odessa, she also lived in Cairo, IL, East St. Louis, IL, and finally settled again on the West Side of Chicago. While living in Chicago she met her husband, Lonnie Elzy and that union created seven children.

Charlene and her family left the West Side of Chicago and relocated to the South Side neighborhood of Maple Park to raise her family. The family was one of the first black families in the area. She was an active member of the block club and neighborhood. You would see Charlene at various neighborhood hangouts with her friends. Her smile was infectious and she was always the life of the party especially if Marvin Gaye was playing.

In the second chapter of her life, she met and married Odell Dyson, and that union created a blended family and Charlene embraced and loved her “Bonus Children”. Odell and Charlene purchased a house in Harvey, IL where Charlene stayed until her elder years. In true Charlene fashion, she became an active member of her block club. She prided herself on keeping the block safe and her pristine and immaculate lawn. While living in Harvey she became a member of the Church of Christ South Holland Chapter where she stayed a member until she transitioned to be with the Lord.

On Monday, October 23, 2023, the Lord called her home to be with Him. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Hazel, and her siblings Helen, Mary (May), Reginald, Geraldine, Bobby, and Billy. Her three sons, the Twins (Lonnie and Ronnie), and Leonard Elzy. Her husband, Odell Dyson.

She leaves to cherish her memory of her children, Gladys Watson, Lonnie Elzy (Valencia), Valerie Brown (Danny) and James Elzy. Her grandchildren Shonn, Diamone, Sheena, Monika, Shantay, JaNina, Lamar, Danielle, JaNiece, Jamea, and Courtney. A host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

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