Charlene (Loe) Vail
September 28, 1929 – February 16, 2022
Our cherished mother, Thelma Charlene (Loe) Vail, 92, passed away on February 16, 2022. She had been unable to recover from a fall the previous October. That, combined with congestive heart failure contributed to her death.
She was born on September 28, 1929 in Quitman, Louisiana. Charlene lived in Quitman in her early years and attended Quitman School. Later she transferred to Jonesboro Hodge High School where she graduated 1946. She attended Louisiana Tech for a short time before marrying Donald Vail on December 24, 1947. The young couple then embarked on a lifetime of travel through 14 states
(including Indiana, New York, Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, West Virginia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and Louisiana) and 2 foreign countries (Spain & England). Some states they lived in multiple times before they finally settled down in Pasadena, Texas in the 60’s. Charlene was proud of her travels and her ability to move and resettle all while raising 4 children.
After moving to Pasadena and finally settling down, Charlene discovered a passion for art. She took classes in many mediums and became an accomplished artist. Throughout the 60’s and 70’s she honed her skills, winning many awards in the local art scene of Southeast Texas. When Don retired in 1988, they moved back to Louisiana and purchased a home on Lake D’Arbonne in Farmerville. There, she reconnected with her roots, and once again became active in the local art community.
Charlene had a quirky sense of humor and was full of off-the-cuff comments that became part of the family lore. Her children often referred to her as their own Lucille Ball. After all, she always wanted to have red hair.
Charlene is survived by her children, Donna Vail Newman and husband Charles of San Marcos, Texas, Charles Vail and wife Priscilla of Salem, Oregon, Russell Vail and wife Sandy of Houston, Texas, and daughter-in-law Patricia Adcock Vail of Farmerville, Louisiana. She had 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Newt Tilman Loe and Annie Carson Loe; her brother, Newt Lavelle Loe; her husband of 63 years, Donald Ray Vail; and her son Jerry Vail.
There will be a graveside service for Charlene at Antioch Church in Quitman, Louisiana on May 19, 2022 at 10:30am. There, she will be interred beside her husband, Donald Ray Vail.
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