Charolette Ware

Sunrise for the radiant Charolette Ann Stokes began on Sunday, August 18, 1957 in Tyler, Texas to proud parents Cleaster Stokes and the late Walter Ray Guthrie. In 1967, Charolette's family moved to Los Angeles, California where she received her formal education. A honors student throughout her schooling, Charolette graduated from Inglewood's Morningside High School in 1975 and continued her education at the University of California at San Diego. Prior to earning a BA degree from UCSD in 1979, she became a charter member of the Nu Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated on May 7, 1977. Charolette went on to complete extensive Information Technology & Data Processing training at the Los Angeles Urban League in 1980, and then her illustrious professional career began. She was immediately employed as a Systems Analyst with California Federal (CalFed) Savings & Loan Bank. While there, Charolette met and became friends with Vernon Ware. This was the beginning of a friendship that would change her life forever. In 1982, Vernon's unmarried older brother Kent flew to California on a business trip and had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to Charolette. They were instantly attracted to each other and decided to date. Kent lived in Colorado but their long distant courtship stood the test of miles; they each realized they had found their soul mate and true love blossomed. On August 18, 1984 in Los Angeles, California, wedding bells rang and two hearts beat as one as they were united in holy matrimony. A few days later, Charolette relocated to Denver, Colorado with her husband to start a new life together. Always a high achiever, Charolette became gainfully employed with Walker Associates as a System Analyst shortly after moving to Denver. She gained experience, acquired more knowledge, increased and broadened her goals, and was employed a few years later at EDS as a Systems Analyst, then at United Airlines as a Software Developer. While working fulltime, Charolette was a diligent wife, mother, community activist, and continued her higher learning. She graduated from the University of Denver with high honors in June 1998 with her Masters of Business Administration. In 1998, she also attended the Quality Assurance Institute and was awarded with the professional designation of Certified Software Test Engineer (CTSE). In June 1999, she became a Certified Quality Analyst and was employed with IBM as a Senior Project Manager. In July 1999, while fulfilling her responsibilities at IBM, Charolette passed the required test to become a Certified Senior Project Manager. Because of her experience, knowledge, and the skills she exemplified when leading project teams, Charolette was bestowed with the Global Credentials of Project Management Professional in October 1999. Charolette went on to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Nu Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for her work and community contributions in October 2007 and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Denver Alumnae Chapter presented her the "Torch of Excellence Award" in 2009. Also during 2009; the Community Choir of Second Baptist Church of Boulder presented her the "Honoring A Living Legend" Award in December for her service to the community, standing strong in the face of adversity, courage, determination, and her outstanding spirit of excellence; the Owl Club of Denver presented her the Chairman's Award. She became a member of the Lone Star Chapter Number 1 of the the Order of the Eastern Star and also joined the Daughters of Isis. Charolette volunteered her time, treasures, and talents to a plethora of organizations throughout her lifetime. She was recognized as a "mover" and "shaker" who made an incredible difference in the Denver, Boulder, and Longmont communities. Wherever she found herself, she stood out in the crowds. "Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Charolette was a strong advocate for the elderly, homeless, and youth. In 2009 she established Grace Incorporated, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the homeless. Charolette has honored more than 150 phenomenal men and women aged seventy and older with a "Living Legend" Award for their life's noteworthy accomplishments and achievements. Charolette had a strong commitment to the uplifting of African American communities. She was a strong supporter and advocate for social justice and fought discrimination throughout her lifetime. She maintained high expectations, goals, and standards, not only for herself and her family, but for children in general. Charolette placed a high value on education and a crowning achievement of hers was the establishment of preparatory classes for high school juniors which prepared them to successfully pass the ACT and SAT tests. Charolette was like a "Big Sister" to youth who needed her encouragement and support as they made decisions to pursue their educational goals and dreams. Her charitable and giving spirit is a true testament of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). Charolette's infectious laugh could be identified anywhere. You'd start laughing or smiling yourself when you heard it - or if you happened to catch a glimpse of her twinkling eyes and beautiful smile. She was a visionary with gifted analytical and creative skills and was always happy for the opportunity to host an event or celebration. It has been said that "special women" shine, illuminate and enlighten; Charolette was one who repeatedly filled the oil lamps of others. She never hesitated to help others and was sometimes forced to take time to rest, relax, recoup, and regroup. Charolette nurtured her spiritual needs as a devoted member of the Second Baptist Church of Boulder, Colorado until she could no longer attend due to declining health. She was very grateful and blessed for the opportunity to re-affirm and accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Charolette had many great achievements and accomplishments throughout her lifetime. Many of them will never be forgotten; but her greatest achievements in life were her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, being a loving, devoted, and supportive wife for 28 years, the mother of three children and two stepchildren, and an immensely proud "G-Momma" to seven grandchildren. Charolette was very proud of all her children and their achievements. Two of her sons even blessed her with beautiful daughters-in-law. Charolette became ill in 2007, and her family knew that they were getting ready to travel a journey with many unknowns, uncertainties, fears, and mixed emotions. But, Charolette also knew that this journey was not hers to travel alone. On August 21, 2010, Charolette and Kent renewed their marriage vows with the love, support and participation of their children. Charolette knew without a doubt that her husband, children, grandchildren, family members and friends loved and supported her. Sunset came on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Rose Medical Center. Charolette fell asleep in Jesus' arms with her loving husband, children, family members and friends at her bedside. Charolette's precious memories and legacy will be remembered and cherished by her loving and devoted husband, Kent Ware, Sr.; three sons: Ralph (Tia) Ware – Orlando, Florida, Adrien (Jo'Elette) Ware – Bloomington, Minnesota, and Kent Ware, II – Denver, Colorado; two daughters: Dorianne Lucas – Goodyear, Arizona, and Arista Ware, II, Atlanta, GA; father and mother: Leroy and Cleaster Shigg – Bellflower, CA, mother-in-law: Arista Ware – Canton, Mississippi; three sisters: Robbie Stokes Butler – Long Beach, California, Sharetta (Gerald) Stokes Baker, Youngstown, Ohio, Allyson Henry – Seattle, Washington; brothers: Mac Warren – Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Jesse Williams - Tyler, Texas; seven grandchildren: Malik, Malcolm, Maia, MacKenzie, Asia, Kendall, and Kennedy; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, friends and church family.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 8/17/2012 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 8/18/2012 at 1:00 PM - Second Baptist Church - 5300 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO