KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Daedra Charles (Furlow), one of only seven women in the illustrious history of Lady Vol basketball to be honored with a banner hanging from the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena, passed away at the age of 49 in Detroit, Mich., on April 14, 2018.
Charles is survived by her mother, Helen; and her sister, Danene. She also is survived by her husband, Anthony Furlow; and their son, Anthonee.
A viewing will be held, beginning at 2 p.m., on Friday, April 20, at McFall Funeral Home, located at 9419 Dexter Ave. in Detroit. On Saturday, April 21, at the World Deliverance Temple at 27355 Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights, there will be a Family Hour from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Home Going Service at 11.
“My heart is broken from the loss of one of the greatest players to play at Tennessee, Daedra “Night Train” Charles,” Lady Vol head coach Holly Warlick said. “An Olympian, a pro player, an ambassador for the Lady Vols, and more importantly a wonderful person/mother. Dae had a spirit that was so uplifting, and you never thought she had a bad day.
“Our memories of Daedra will bring us comfort and smiles. But it will also bring me tears because she is suddenly gone. Lord wrap your arms around her…I know she has found her peace.”
Charles, a graduate of St. Martin De Porres High School in Detroit, played at UT from 1988-91 after losing her first season of eligibility due to her classification by the NCAA as a Prop 48 signee. After focusing all of her attention on her schoolwork and excelling as a freshman in the classroom in 1987-88, the powerful, yet agile, 6-foot-3 center starred three seasons for the Lady Vols, helping Tennessee win two NCAA titles (1989 & 1991), an SEC title (1990) and an SEC Tournament crown (1989).
More importantly for Charles, who spent her first year on Rocky Top triumphantly proving she could handle the academic rigors of college, she graduated from UT in four years, earning a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies. For a program focused on accomplishing team goals, this was an exceptional celebration of individual achievement due to Charles’ admirable determination and success in overcoming an obstacle that prevented her from joining her teammates on the court as a freshman.
During Charles’ decorated career, she was a two-time Kodak All-American, first-team All-SEC performer, SEC All-Tournament honoree and NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team selection, earning those distinctions in 1990 and 1991.
In addition to the aforementioned awards, as a senior she was a Naismith All-American, SEC Female Athlete of the Year, NCAA Final Four All-Tournament honoree and the winner of the Wade Trophy, given by the WBCA as the highest distinction in women’s college basketball. She was the first SEC player to earn that award.
In 105 career games, Charles started 91 times and averaged 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds. As a senior in 1991, she shot 56 percent from the field while averaging 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest. She finished her career seventh on the UT scoring list (1,495), sixth in rebounding (858) and second in shots blocked (95) despite playing only three seasons.
Charles’ number 32 jersey was retired on Dec. 28, 1991, and she remains one of six Lady Vol players honored with a banner hanging high above The Summitt, the court named for her head coach.
The late Pat Summitt, describing Charles in the book Sum It Up, said “she was a muscled, six-three center from Detroit, Michigan, whom we called ‘Train,’ which was short for ‘Night Train,’ because she was so forceful around the basket.”
Former Louisiana Tech head coach Leon Barmore is credited with giving Charles the nickname. It was in reference to former Detroit Lions football great Dick “Night Train” Lane, who was known as a ferocious tackler and one of the most feared players in the NFL in his day.
Charles’ abilities transcended Big Orange Country and college basketball. Her prowess enabled her to become a three-time member of USA Basketball’s Senior National Team, winning the bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics. It also gave her the opportunity to play professionally, which she did in Japan, Italy and France from 1991-97 and for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks in 1997.
Her body of work and her impact on the women’s game was recognized and rewarded upon the conclusion of her career. She was named one of ESPN’s all-time Top 25 College Women’s Players in the mid-2000s and was inducted with the inaugural class of the Tennessee Lady Vol Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001 and the 2007 class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Following her playing career, Charles transitioned naturally into the coaching and basketball administrative staff ranks, making stops at several schools before returning to Knoxville to join the staff at Tennessee. She served as an assistant coach at UT from 2008-10 and was the program’s director of character development from 2010-12. After leaving UT, she served as the head girls’ basketball coach at Knoxville’s West High School before returning to her native Detroit.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION TO THE PASSING OF DAEDRA CHARLES (FURLOW)
“R.I.P Daedra Charles. Glad I got to know you and your journey. I remember how Coach Summitt and DeMoss would light up when they spoke your name. Your smile was contagious! Thank you for blessing me with one of the realest conversations ever!! #ladyvols #Olympian“ – Chamique Holdsclaw, LVFL
“Prayers up for Daedra Charles Furlow’s family. Wow…. such a sweet soul and of course a Lady Vol for life #OALVALV! #RIP #RIH #GodsAngels“ – Tamika Catchings, LVFL
“So sad to hear about the passing of a legend on AND off the court. Daedra Charles was a friend, mentor and amazing mother! Gone too soon, but I hope you are at peace. Please say hi to Coach Pat for us, I know she met you at the gate. Love you Coach D.” – Candace Parker, LVFL
“Everyone please take a moment and pray for the Charles family and the Lady Vol family. A legend, a teammate, a beloved family member has left us! #RIPDaedraCharlesFurlow“ – Sharrona Reaves, Lady Vol assistant coach
“Our thoughts are with the family of Daedra Charles-Furlow and the Tennessee community. You will be missed.” — Women’s Basketball Coaches Association
“Rest In Peace to the one and only Coach Daedra. Thank you for not only being a crucial part of my decision to go to Tennessee but for ALL you’ve done for the Lady Vol Family. Have fun with Pat in heaven for us, Night Train! We love you.” – Andraya Carter, LVFL
“Peaceful Journey to my sister my friend Daedra Charles” – Derrick Coleman, former NBA and Syracuse player
“My prayers are with Daedra Charles-Furlow family. We will miss you Daedra… what a warrior in every sense. Be at peace.” – Vicki Hall, ISU WBB coach/former Texas player
“It’s a sad day in WBB today as we learned we lost a sister in hoops….peace and blessing Daedra Charles. May the lord wrap his arms around your husband, son and entire family.” – Dawn Staley, USC WBB coach/former UVa player
“RIP Daedra Charles. This one stings. Your energy was contagious. You believed and saw what was in me before I did. Thank you for everything! You will be missed. Love You Coach Choo Choo!” – Kamiko Williams, LVFL
“Daedra Charles was a brave courageous person both on and off the court. She helped many survivors see their way through. Blessings to her family and the entire women basketball community. Salute!” – Debbie Ryan, former UVA WBB coach
“Omg so shocked and sad — what a great person. From the day we met on campus, you could just tell she was one of those ppl who had “it,” Kind, caring & always fun to be around. Tremendous competitor but even better person & friend. #DaedraCharles #RIP“ – Lang Wiseman, UT MBB Alum
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