Charlene Imogene Heglar

Charlene Imogene Heglar (Fluellen), age 73, was born on May 9, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Robert L. Fluellen Sr. and Ernestine Fluellen. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Charlene peacefully gained her wings and joined the heavenly choir, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service that will echo for generations.

Charlene was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended St. Bernard Catholic School and Southeastern High School, graduating in 1970. From an early age, she carried a strong work ethic and an even stronger heart. She was employed at Elias Brothers Big Boy Restaurant for a short time and later with Michigan Bell, always known for her professionalism and warm spirit.

On January 30, 1971, Charlene received one of life’s greatest gifts, her first jewel, her beloved son Kevin Fluellen. In 1973, she married the love of her life, James Heglar, and together they relocated to Columbus, Ohio. There, Charlene continued her education and built a successful career in the insurance industry, working as a Claims Adjuster and Supervisor for various companies. After more than 30 years of faithful and dedicated service, she retired, leaving behind a reputation for excellence, fairness, and compassion.

Charlene truly loved life. She had a voice meant for karaoke, a home meant for gathering, and a heart meant for everyone. Her house was never quiet, never empty, and never without food or laughter. She was a world traveler who explored many countries, collecting stories, memories, and friendships wherever she went.

For over twenty years, Charlene and her husband James opened their home and their hearts as foster parents. They adopted four children and fostered more than twenty others, changing countless lives simply by loving them. To Charlene, no child was “extra” and no family was “just temporary.” Everyone who walked through her door became hers.

Charlene was preceded in death by her loving parents, Robert and Ernestine Fluellen; her grandparents, Charlene and Marvin Clark; her son, Eddie Heglar; her brother, Michael Fluellen; her aunt, Eva Brooks; and other cherished family and friends who welcomed her home.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her devoted husband, James Heglar; her children, Kevin, Alphonzo, Duzarion, Davionna, Jimmy, and Timmy Heglar; her siblings, Robert Fluellen Jr. (Deborah), Sherri Brown, Marvin Fluellen (Rebecca), Kimberly Fluellen, and Eva Fluellen; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

Charlene was the kind of woman who made you feel safe, seen, and loved. She could make you laugh when you wanted to cry and remind you to keep going when you felt tired. Her love was loud, her joy was contagious, and her presence filled every room.

Though her voice is now heard only in heaven, her song will forever live in our hearts.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Take your rest. We will carry your love forward.