Charlene Joy (Verburg) Kok

Charlene Joy Kok, age 86 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on April 21, 2020.  She is reunited with her husband Al, son Jim, sister Kay Warnes, great grandson Ian, and parents James and Florence Verburg.  Char enjoyed watching her kids, grandkids, and even great grandkids play sports, as she was their biggest cheerleader.  She was always there to lend an ear or give advice, and always brought her family together.  She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Char was born on December 6, 1933 in Grand Rapids, MI.  She attended Creston High School.  Shortly after graduating she married the love of her life and followed him to Virginia while he was in the Army.  Once he was discharged, they moved back to Grand Rapids, MI to start a family.  

She leaves behind her three daughters Vicky Devine, Sandy (Mike) Barense, Pam (Phil) Gould, daughter-in-law Joan Kok, and brother Chuck (Rosa) Verburg.  Char had 5 grandchildren; Christopher (Katie) Aguilar, Kyle (Danielle) Barense , Mark (Imelda) Barense, Jessica (Steve) Wellman and Samantha (Jaran) Malafa and 10 great grandchildren; Damien (Barense), Emma (Wellman), Nolan (Aguilar), Caleb (Wellman), Skylar (Barense), Sairah (Barense), Juni (Ramos), Stella (Aguilar) and Jacob (Malafa).  Char was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Faith Hospice, who made this transition more comfortable for Char and her daughters.

A service will not be held in accordance with her wishes.

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