Charlene Bradley Gibbons, born on June 21, 1954, in Williston, Florida, was a beloved daughter of the late Galvester Nada Bradley and Mary Ella Bradley. She was the fifth of eight siblings, growing up in a family that cherished faith, togetherness, and unconditional love.

 

Charlene graduated from Northwestern Senior High School, class of 1971, Charlene found love and companionship with Thomas W. Gibbons. Their union brought forth her greatest joy: a beautiful daughter, Anissa Rashawn Baron Gibbons. After graduating, Charlene and Thomas embarked on an adventure across the United States, traveling to various cities due to Thomas’s military service. Together, they called places like Alaska and Kansas City home, living a life filled with new experiences and lasting memories. Eventually, the couple returned to Florida, where Charlene established roots in Carol City, a community she held close to her heart. Though she and Thomas divorced in 1987, they remained dedicated to co-parenting their beloved daughter. 

 

Charlene’s passion for learning led her to Miami Dade Community College, where she pursued paralegal studies. However, her heart found its true calling in advertising, where she thrived at Tiger Eye Broadcasting. Over the years, she explored diverse career paths, always driven by her tenacity and love for people. She excelled as head of security at Sears and Jefferson Department Stores, as well as at the Social Security Administration Office in Fort Lauderdale. Later, she led security efforts at the Port of Miami, earning the respect of colleagues for her diligence and integrity. Charlene’s genuine love for connecting with others eventually drew her into a career in retail. She thrived in environments where she could bring smiles to faces, making every interaction feel meaningful. 

 

As the years passed, Charlene embraced one of her proudest personal projects—returning to her childhood home in Miami-Dade. With love and dedication, she restored the home to its former glory, bringing it back to its original beauty. This endeavor symbolized not just her strength and determination but also her deep connection to her roots. In her retirement, Charlene devoted her life to caring for her family. She became a fierce advocate and loving caregiver for her baby brother, Edwin J. Bradley, until he preceded her in death. Her boundless love and dedication continued as she cared for her older brother, Wesley James Bradley, until she was called home to be with the Lord on November 1, 2024. Charlene was a member of Peace Zion Baptist Church, where she served on Usher Board #2. Her warm smile, compassionate spirit, and unwavering faith touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Charlene’s faith was her anchor, guiding her through life’s trials and filling her heart with joy and gratitude. To those who knew her, Charlene was a radiant light—a woman of intelligence, humor, and quick wit. She cherished spending time with friends in community social clubs, engaging in friendly games of pool, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon fishing. These simple pleasures brought her peace.

 

Charlene leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and selfless devotion. She is survived by: her treasured daughter, Anissa R. Baron Gibbons (Kenny); beloved godchildren, Vella De La Rosa and Adonis Broadnax; and her devoted son-in-law, Nievan Baron; siblings who continue to honor her memory, including her sisters, Janie B. Blake, Hazel Lee, Ruth Bradley, Gail A. Bradley Wilson (Earl), and Tangela Bradley Thomas (Reggie); her brothers, the late Galvester Larry Bradley and Wesley James Bradley, as well as her late brother, Edwin Jonathan Bradley; her cherished grandchildren, Anandi Alexander Bradley Gibbons Baron, the late Cameron M. Baron, Keani K. Baron, Jaden R. Baron, and Noah T. Baron; great-grandmother of whom she was proud,  Cameron Alexander Baron, Aquino Mi’yani Aliah Baron, Kalani Alayah Baron, Keani Bradley Gibbons Baron, Jr., and Leani Anissa Baron; her life partner for whom her heart and soul were filled with love, James Singletary, who stood by her side, bringing her joy and comfort. Charlene was more than just a mother, sister, grandmother, and partner—she was a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her laughter, wisdom, and boundless compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Though we grieve her loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with those who have gone before her, resting in eternal peace. Charlene’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of love. As we say our goodbyes, we hold on to the memories of her laughter, her unwavering strength and fiery attitude. May her legacy inspire us to live with the same love and strength she embodied throughout her journey.