She died at 7:16 this morning (Sunday, May 23) after suffering a massive heart attack in the wee early hours of Friday morning. She was able to call 911 before collapsing, and even though the paramedics revived her body and put her on life support, she was already gone. Her body lingered a few more hours after the systems were turned off on Saturday, but she  was no longer with us and all knew that it was just a matter of time. That time came this morning.

Some have asked me if she had family, and although she was an only child and her parents passed years ago, I must say yes. In fact, it might be difficult to count the numbers of us who considered her "family"-- she was easy to claim that way.

Already the hundreds of students she taught at League City Intermediate School have started a Facebook page dedicated to her memory, and it is so satisfying to read the comments and remembrances of so many students whose lives were changed in such a positive way by her guidance, support, and encouragement. In teaching, Char had found her true path-- she loved those students and nothing made her prouder than watching them blossom as performers.

As for me-- well, how do you sum up twenty years of musical collaboration? I was one of the fortunate singers  (Donna Corley and Terry Meason preceded me) who spent a lot of time working with her, and I can say that she certainly spoiled me. I never saw anyone who could jump from blues to show tunes, swing standards, country western, comedy-- anything you wanted!-- with such panache, emotion, and precision. She was a marvel, and believe me, if she had your back during a show, you were in good hands. After working with us one night, our buddy Kelly Dean joked that Char was one of the top five bass players in Houston, because of the incredible bass lines she played on that Ensonic keyboard with her left hand! And I do believe she was. It will be impossible to replace her in any way, and now all that remains is to be so very thankful for the time we had. She was special.

I am hoping that soon those of us who shared the stage with her will come together and celebrate her life with a commemorative concert, and if we do that, rest assured that I will send  the details to all on our Ovations mailing list. Until then, though, there are two events which I want you to be aware of, so---- as I always said in our Ovations emails before-- here are the particulars.....

WHO-- Friends of Charlene Wright

WHAT-- visitation with family and friends

WHERE-- Rosewood Funeral Home, 3939 Pasadena Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77503    713-920-2171

WHEN-- Tuesday, May 25   6pm-8pm

and also.....

WHO-- Charlene Wright

WHAT-- Funeral service

WHERE-- Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16355 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062   281-488-5110

WHEN-- Wednesday, May 26   2pm

WHY-- Because we will never see another Charlene Wright and we must celebrate all she brought to us!!