Ms. Charlene "Char" Lee Douglas, 58, completed her journey through this life in the early hours of Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at her home in Springfield, Missouri. Her fight with an extended illness concluded while in the company of her longtime partner in all things and caregiver, Michael Loveland. Char's beloved constant companion dog "Itchy" loyally remained at his chosen post, by her side. The love of family and friends encircled and comforted her at the time of her passing. Char was born on Monday, July 2, 1962 in Westmont, Illinois the daughter of Tonya Lee and Luther Eugene Douglas of Hinsdale, Illinois.

She graduated from Nixa High School in 1980 and went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from ITT Technical Institute in 2012.  Her career path throughout life exhibited her compassion for those in need of a little extra love and attention.  The highlights of her resume' reflect she cared for, protected, and mentored children with special needs, lent guidance and structure for troubled teens and provided a safe and independent living environment for adults not always able to live on their own.  Her final employment as a Primary Home Care Provider with Preferred Family Healthcare gave her great joy.  To all those ever in her care, she will always be lovingly known as Mom or Mama Char.  In her private life, Char had a deep, lifelong love of reading and accumulated an impressive personal library.  She enjoyed movies of every genre and music that rattled the windows.  Char collected salt/pepper shakers, Harley Quinn memorabilia and unicorns.  She loved playing games of all sorts, from cards to video.  Char was quick to laugh and especially loved a good "bad" joke or pun.  Above all else, she was a fierce and proud mother.  Her two beautiful children were her favorite topic of conversation and the brightest stars in her sky.

Char was preceded in death by her father.

She is survived by her mother Tonya Douglas and her brother Jeffrey Douglas of Nixa, MO; her son Cameron Lee Ward and daughter Marissa Lee Ward of Springfield, MO and an innumerable number of friends she loved as family.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all the blessed medical professionals and palliative/hospice care providers who looked after Char.  Extra special love and blessings go to Cassie and Denise, her angels on earth, who took such loving care of her daily.  You became her family and she loved you very much.

In accordance with her final wishes, following cremation, a celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.  Announcement of those arrangements will be forthcoming.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in her name to the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter, 2209 Petrus Cr., Ozark, MO 65721.  In appreciation of the endless aid and support they provided throughout her illness.  And/or, Rescue One, 1927-B E. Bennet St., Springfield, MO 65804. In honor of her lifetime campaign to attempt to rescue every lost creature who ever crossed her path.

We know you had to go, we know you are finally at peace and we know you're going to absolutely "rock" those wings—but—we sure are going to miss you Mom.

Love,

All of us