Charline Helen Riley Nyomo, 80, died on Sept. 12, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born on March 26, 1945, in Evanston to Charles Leonard Khalil Bezaleel Riley (stage name Khalil Nimini Ben Bezaleel, an actor) and Julia Rebecca Perrin Riley. Charlene was a proud member of the Perrin family of Darrow Avenue in the 5th Ward of Evanston. She was the granddaughter of Miller “Papa” Perrin and Mamie Brooks Perrin, and of Dr. Bezaleel Rozell Riley and Bessie Ann Hodges.
The Perrin family has been a part of the Evanston community for well over 100 years. Her grandfather, Miller “Papa” Perrin, was a beloved figure in Evanston’s 5th Ward. He maintained the last farm and farm animals in the ward and was widely known in the community for his cherished hay rides in his horse and buggy, which he offered throughout the year. This legacy of community presence, joy, and hospitality remains an important part of her family’s story.
Charline grew up in Evanston and attended Foster School, Haven Middle School, and Evanston Township High School, Class of 1963. At ETHS she studied Latin and nurtured a love for languages, a gift she inherited from her father. Charline became fluent in Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese. She learned Portuguese after mastering Spanish, inspired by a friend from Brazil with whom she worked many years ago.
After she graduated from ETHS, she enrolled at Kentucky State University (HBCU) but left before getting her degree. She wanted to pursue her passions in modeling and singing…