Charline Helen Riley Nyomo, age 80, passed away on September 12 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was a trailblazing figure — a singer, model, activist, and one of the first Black women to work at Playboy’s head office. Her life was filled with art, travel, and a deep love of culture.
Early Roots in Evanston and Family Legacy
Born March 26, 1945, in Evanston, Charline was part of a distinguished local family. Her parents were Charles Leonard Khalil Bezaleel Riley (an actor under the stage name Khalil Nimini Ben Bezaleel) and Julia Rebecca Perrin Riley. She was proud to be a Perrin of Darrow Avenue in Evanston’s 5th Ward.
Her grandfather, Miller “Papa” Perrin, was beloved in the community. He ran the last farm in that ward and gave hay rides from his buggy all year. His hospitality and joy were hallmarks of the family legacy.
Charline grew up in Evanston’s schools — Foster, Haven Middle, and then Evanston Township High School (ETHS), Class of 1963. She studied Latin and developed a gift for languages. She later became fluent in Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese.
Entry into Modeling, Music, and Playboy
After ETHS, Charline enrolled at Kentucky State University (an HBCU), but left before completing a degree. She wanted to follow her dreams in modeling and singing.
In Chicago, she broke barriers by becoming one of the first Black women at Playboy’s main office. That role opened doors to modeling, dance, and performance. From there, she lived in Puerto Rico, London, Brussels, Aachen, and Paris, where her artistic spirit thrived.
While in Germany, she met François Mantuila Nyomo by phone. He was a Paris conservatory student working on a jazz album. He paid for her train ticket to Paris, and the two began collaborating. He said he fell in love with her at first sight. Together, they built a life rooted in music, culture, and family.
Family Life, Activism, and Cultural Roots
Charline and François welcomed two daughters: Julia Lusungi Rebecca Nyomo (born 1975 in Paris) and Ndona Nkembi Nyomo Muboyayi (born 1976 in New York City). After François died in 2010, Charline adopted his sons, Franck Mantuila Nyomo and Benjamin Nyomo. Benjamin passed soon after his father; Franck survives her.
She was a devoted historian, especially of Black, African, and religious history. Her home overflowed with books she shared with her children. She passed on to them her love for diversity, culture, and identity. She taught them to embrace self-pride and many traditions.
She also kept her roots in farming. Inspired by her grandfather, she gardened — growing watermelon, squash, avocado, tomatoes — always staying connected to the earth.
Later Years, Legacy, and Remembrance
In later life, Charline moved to Cassopolis, Michigan. She lived simply, surrounded by nature and her memories of Evanston. She often reflected on her early life and heritage with pride.
Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, extended family, and community. She is remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of art and activism, and her devotion to family and culture.
Visitation will be October 9, 2025, in Evanston; her funeral and celebration of life follow on October 10. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Majestic Reign, Inc. — a nonprofit that supports arts, climate education, and foreign language programs.
