Charlotte Jean Gavin-Goens

May 1, 1956 - February 10, 2022

Her Journey, Charlotte Jean Gavin-Goens I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; of happy memories that I leave when life is done. ~Afterglow Charlotte Jean Gavin - Goens was born Charlotte Gavin on May 1, 1956, in Laurel, MS to her parents Charles E. Gavin and Earnestine Garner-Gavin. She was the first child born to this loving union. As a child she was described as creative and quiet. At a young age, each child took to a specialty of their mothers. Charlotte took an interest in sewing. Her mother, who sewed herself, started allowing her to sew pre-cut material for paper dolls. Her creative hobby grew from making straight skirts at age 11 to sewing her own personal wardrobe. She was a tall, beautiful woman with a sparkling smile that was taught by her father to have confidence in who she was. He would tell her, “Have you ever seen a short, fat model”. From that she grew to not only express herself through making clothes, but she began modeling in high school. Her genuine beauty was jarringly elegant to all that knew her. After moving to Colorado in 1962 at age 6. She received her education Stedman, Hallett, Grant Junior High, East High School, and the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. There she took her love for fashion and majored in Fashion Design and Accounting. While at UNC Greeley she also became a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated in 1975. In junior high she met her first husband Michael Hardy. Their courtship continued throughout their teenage years, and in 1980 they finally married. To this union, they were blessed with Shiniquwa Alliss Hardy in 1984. Together they raised her in their Montbello home, being an example of Black Love and Family. With a house full of family, friends, pets, she still didn’t hesitate to let Shiniquwa keep whatever stray she found before the street lights came on. SPOILED! Charlotte continued to foster her passion in fashion. She went on to work for JC Penney, Fashion Bar and a family owned store. She even made special Halloween costumes and outfits for Shiniquwa. Although she never quite caught on to seeing, Charlotte still let her make clothes for her dolls out of the scraps. Due to her love for children, she started working for Denver Public Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional, where she remained for 20 plus years . Even after retiring, she continued to be a DPS substitute whenever and wherever the help was needed. On March 23, 2007 Charlotte united in holy matrimony to David T. Goens. They met in 2005 thanks to her beautiful hands. Her husband was trimming the hedges on his mothers property, where Charlotte was a tenant, and had to ask her to use the outlet in her house. Agreeing, she reached her hand out through the mailbox and he noticed beautiful hands with cotton candy nail polish. He was so enamoured, he asked to see them again. In true Charlotte fashion, she snatched it away. From that day on, they have been in each others lives. Sharing many moments at Bronco football games, camping all over the map, going to concerts, and shared birthday dinners. Charlotte was a sweet, fun-loving woman who loved spending time with her family, especially during holidays and birthdays, camping, and shopping for discounts. She enjoyed caring for and supporting her family, nieces and nephews in every absolute way she could. From bringing special goodie bags to attending their special events, she was instrumental in providing the support her family needed to help them be their best everyday. She picked her great nieces and nephew up from school everyday and made sure all her mothers needs were taken care of at all times. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, willingness to help others and her welcoming smile. On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the sun smiled upon Charlotte Jean Gavin - Goens. She is preceded in death by her father, Charles E. Gavin and sister, Ramona D. Gavin. The memory of her life will forever burn aflame in the hearts of those who cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her husband David Goens, mother, Earnestine Gavin, 2 daughters, Tamara D. White and Shiniquwa Alliss Hardy; 2 grandchildren Joshua Johnson and Alexandria Johnson; 7 nieces, Lakia Thomas, Shealean Gavin, Taylor Hardy-Roy, Chantae McCrary, and T’Angela Wilhite, Jordan Rogers, and Hailey Rogers; 4 Great-nieces, Gia Thomas, Myka Thomas, Madison McCrary, and Leilah’s Hardy; 2 nephews, Charles I. Gavin and Trent Rogers; 3 Great-nephews, Ty’ron Gavin, Shai McCrary, Semaj McCrary; cousins, Gloria Wolverton, Mary Lawrence Johnson, extended family and a host of other relatives.