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Pamella Chavis Obituary
Pamella was born in Newport News, Va., to the late Lucille Poe and Morris Poe on April 19, 1951. Pamella was educated in Newport News Public Schools and a graduate of Huntington High School in 1969. She graduated from Hampton Institute in 1972 with a B.S. in Accounting. She furthered her education at Hampton Institute and earned her Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Pamella worked at Newport News Shipyard in the Finance Department for several years. She also worked at the GE plant in the Finance Department for 2-3 years. She then went on to become Director of Financial Aid at Hampton University for 12 years. Pamella was the Chief Operating Officer for S. J. Chavis and Daughters' Trucking for over 20 years. She worked at Suburban Grading and Utilities for several years as their Truck Foreman. At the time of her demise, Pamella was employed with Hampton City Schools as a Special Education Geometry teacher at Phoebus High School and working on her Ed.D. at Old Dominion University.
Pamella was loved by all persons she came in contact with. She was known as "Boss Lady" when she was working the construction field. Once Pamella left the construction field, she decided to teach herself into retirement.
Pamella was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Poe; her father, Morris Poe; two aunts, Claretta Williams and Janie Lewis; and three uncles, Lewis B. MacRae, David Johnson Sr.; Walter Lewis Sr.
Pamella leaves to cherish her memory three wonderful daughters; Lenore, Stephanie (Raymond), Pamella Rae (Damion); two special children near and dear to her heart, Chelsea and Austin; one grandson, Esjay; a sister, Peggy Poe; two aunts, Helen MacRae and Ruth Johnson; a host of close cousins, family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at First Church of Newport News (Baptist). Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The family is receiving friends at 697 Dresden Drive in Newport News. Arrangements are entrusted to O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
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Memories and Condolences
for Pamella Chavis
Ina Whitehead
October 13, 2008
Chavis Family,
Pam was a good friend of my father's for years, but I met her for the first time when my father died a few weeks ago. She came to visit my family after he died, and I will never forget her energy, laughter, and positivity. At the repast, she also displayed this same warm spirit. I met her after the most terrible event of my life, and she lifted me up and helped me in a way that I will never forget. Know that you were blessed to have such a dynamic woman in your life.
Danny Conyers
October 11, 2008
Peggy, I was in town and just happened across Pam's obituary. My heart goes out to you and her children. If I can be of any assistance to you in the days to come, please know that I am only a drive away.
Wanda Cochrane
October 3, 2008
In loving mermory of a wonderful person. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Chavis family . My daughter an I was very sadden to hear of her passing.
Mrs. Chavis was a wonderful teacher at Phoebus High School. We will miss her greatly. May God be with the family in your time of sorrow.
Pamela Shavers-King
October 1, 2008
Pam,
My mother and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. You and Marlo took a class together at Ferguson High one summer. I remember the fun times you shared and Marlo telling me how wonderful your family was to her.
Sincerely,
Pamela Shavers-King
Lorraine F. Shavers
Newport News, VA
Barbara Burgess
October 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lillie Hubbard
October 1, 2008
To the Chavis Family,
Please accept our condolences in the passing of your love one, Pam.
When I remember your mom I think of HU basketball games when Rick Mahon played on the team and my son Dana and I sat with your family at the home games. I also worked closely with Pam when she was Financial Aid Director and I was Secretary of Huntington Library, we made a good team in placing hundreds of work study students in the Library.
Love and prayers.
Lillie S. Hubbard
Marlo King
October 1, 2008
To the Chavis Family:
I want to express my sincere condolences to the Chavis family. Her daughter Pam and I were friends a long time ago. I remember the Chavis family being so nice to me!!!
Sincerely,
Marlo King
Shawna Rae Williams
October 1, 2008
I am deeply sorry for your loss and am so glad I was able to see her Aug 9th at Deloris's cookout. My prayers are with you and God bless!
Sandra Walker
October 1, 2008
My heart grieves with yours, Lenore, Stephanie, Pam Rae, and all the Poe and Chavis family. Peggy and I were pre-schoolers when Pam was born. Peggy has always been a sister, and Pam, my baby sister. I lived next door to them until I was 8 and we moved to Hampton. We've all been family since. Pam went to Chicago on Hampton Institute business and stayed with me and my family in the Chicago suburbs where we were stationed at the time. Pam and I had a blast. We went to dinner, to a club, and tasted the freebies one Saturday morning at the grocery store. We even went to an open house in an elite neighborhood of the Chicago suburbs where Pam so brilliantly personified an interested buyer. She made sure that the real estate agent was aware that she handled a million dollar account for the prestigious black college, Hampton Institute and was a viable interested buyer. Thanks to Pam, the house I had ogled for months I finally got an opportunity to see on the inside. Her hospitality of her home and her fabulous pool that my sons and I enjoyed on occasion just brought us all together as a family. Though the last few years we saw one another at the ODU Peninsula Graduate Center when she was leaving a class and I was going in, we always stopped to talk. On many levels my sons, brothers, and I will miss her. Our memories and our love we carry for her in our hearts will keep her with us always.
Charman Goodwin
October 1, 2008
Cousin Pam:
What words could I ever say to express your place in this wonderful family. Through lifes heartaches and through the joys of our lives you have been there for our family. You will always be remembered and will always be in my heart. May peace be with our family and may you rest in the heavens of eternal peace.
Love always,
Camille Calloway
October 1, 2008
To the Chavis Family:
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Mrs. Chavis was such a wonderful person. I really enjoyed having her in some of my graduate school classes. We would always share stories about our students and she helped me tremendoulsy with the advice she gave me. She will truly be missed.
Priscilla S. Broughton
September 30, 2008
To the bereaved family. I knew your mom when she worked at Hampton Institute. She made sure that funds were found if you were serious about your Education. May the lord bless and keep you. May he make his face to smile upon you.
P. S. Broughton
Marva Gaten
September 30, 2008
Chavis was my Dallas Cowboy friend. I met her two years ago at Phoebus High. She would say "How bout them Cowboys."
I will miss her.
Gaten
Guidance
Phoebus High School
Gloria Salisbury
September 30, 2008
You know you are my children too. So I may not get there for the service but as soon as I can get to Hampton I will find you.
Yes you will be fine and you will see that God loves you and you will get through this. Trust me I know. God just sent for two of my special cousins on the same day last month. We will get through.
The Salisbury Family
Gloria, Matthew, Jamal and Malika
Kesha Porter
September 30, 2008
Stephanie,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother.
Kesha (HU Davidson Hall 1994-1999)
Louise Chandler
September 30, 2008
To the Chavis Family, I only knew Pam for A short while but it felt like years. that's the feeling I always had, just talking to an old friend ,I know you all are hurting now but it will be alright just keep on trusting in God.
Lloyd & Evelyn Whitaker
September 30, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Douglas Sullivan
September 30, 2008
The Huntington High School Class of 1969 will always be very blessed to have Pamella Poe Chavis as one of its members. Personally, Pamella began blessing my life a year earlier when I transferred to Dunbar Elementary School for the 7th grade. As I reflect back on Pam, it is clear, even at an early age, that her strengths were multidimensional. She was gifted intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. As painful as it is to know that she no longer physically graces this earth, that pain will forever pale in comparison to her indelible imprint on my mind and heart. My deepest condolences to the Poe and Chavis families. May your love for Our Creator and Pamella shine through these cloudy moments and for eternity.
Melinda Gainer
September 30, 2008
Stephanie,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You might not remember me, but you were the first person I met at Hampton University (Pre-College 1994). May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Brenda Sims
September 30, 2008
Stephanie and Family:
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that no words can replace what you've loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mary Reed
September 30, 2008
To the Chavis Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Ms. Chavis. I first met her at Phoeus High School and we had some very interesting conversations. Now, I see why God placed her on this earth. May the wonderful memories bring great comfort to you during this difficult time.
AARON WILKERSON
September 30, 2008
I grew up on ruston drive and went to school with her daughter. Her children reflect her well with disciplen for self and respect towards others, not to mention that business savvy. I had recently seen her at Colonial Downs with that winners smile. Its my last living memory of her and I'll hold that memory forever. She always had good positive energy and the will to not be scared of taking on new task. She taught me that your never too old to learn, also not rush into things and to have patience even for those who rub you the wrong way.....even little kids. We will always miss her and her joyful presence.
Joylette & Lawrence Hylick and family
September 29, 2008
To Lenore, Stephanie, and Pam:
Pam was a special, warm, funny and giving person, as I know is not news to you! What a blessing to have had her as your mother. Keep those memories clearly and they will give you strength.
I have known her since her days at Hampton University. Her energy and concern for the students there was apparent and appreciated by the many who came in contact with her. We will always be grateful for the help she gave our family during those years and we often expressed our thanks to her.
Please know you are all in our prayers and we extend out most heartfelt sympathy to you. I am still at a loss to know that she is no longer with us.
God bless you all during this most difficult time.
Sandra Allen-Blizzard
September 29, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Pam. I worked for Pam and Steve years ago as a truck driver on the Warwick Boulevard expansion. She invited my daughter Tarika Green(she just passed away on the 13th of September at 35 years old) to the coliseum with her daughters for a show. She was a great boss and wonderful person. Pam was a generous and kind person and I will truly miss her
Katherine Goble Moore
September 29, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Pam. She meant a lot to lots of people, including my family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. To her family, she will live on through you. Be strong, hang in there -and know she will be fondly remembered.
Mattie Flack-Sanchas
September 29, 2008
to the family of Pam:God always knows the right time to receive us, we just don't know the right time to release our loved ones to Him.It will always feel like it was to soon for them to go because there was something to do ,to see, and to be a part of. But be assured,Pamela will continue her service in the Lord,for all of us who knew her and loved her. I had the opportunity to be one of her dorm-mates at HI,now HU;we were a part of Upward Bound,it was great fun,and part of our higher education.Renae Smallwood,Deborah Hooker,Pam, and I shared a dorm room.We shared a lot and enjoyed our summer very much.I haven't seen Pam since our days at Hampton, but I can still see her funny smile and her curly hair,she was a great friend
September 29, 2008
To the Chavis Family:
My deepest sympathy. Pam was such a beautiful person.
May God give you strength to get through this difficult time.
Marjorie (Batts) Ellis
Huntington High Class of 1965
Phillip Wynne
September 29, 2008
To the Family:
As a former classmate of Pam from Huntington High School, It is with deepest sympathy that I acknowledge her transition to the great realm of heaven. Pam will truly be missed by all of us who had the distinct and wonderful fortune of having known her. She will forever remain etched upon our hearts and minds as one of God's greatest gifts to mankind. May God bless and keep you all.
Irma Pair Robinson
September 29, 2008
May it comfort you to know that I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy Harris Allen
September 29, 2008
Thinking of you at this time and extending my heartfelt understanding and sympathy.
Dorothy Harris Allen
*A former classmate of the 1969 class of Huntington High School.
Aronya Fuller
September 29, 2008
Lenore, Stephanie, and Pamella Rae:
God Says His Love For Us Is So Deep and Dear To Him That He Gathers All Our Tears in a Jar...Days Ahead May Be Difficult, but God Will Hold Your Hearts Gently In His Care and Comfort Your Souls With Peace!
We all Love you and mourn this moment that we all have truly lost another Angel here on Earth...For Your Mother Was Truly An Angel With All the Characteristics that God Would like for all of us to possess. God Says We Have only one purpose on this Earth and That is to Love one another...Well. She fulfilled her purpose o the fulliest!
May God Keep You Girls and Fill Your Hearts to Carry on the Legacy Your Mother Has Left For All of Us to Remember, Her Great Love for People!!
With Agape Love,
David & Aronya Fuller, Mikee, Ryan, Christel, Chris
Adam & Alexander,Angel, Israel
Charmell Wright
September 29, 2008
Dear Lenore, Stephanie and Pam,
I just want to let you know that you all are in my prayers and thoughts. Your mother was a good lady and she will be truly missed. I will never forget Boss Lady, but i know she is in a better place looking down on us. Keep your head up and spirits high, she loved you all and and I do to.Keep the Faith. Love you (sweetpotata). Charmell.
Diana Durham
September 29, 2008
To the Chavis Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the strength that you need to get through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Danielle Joe-Reid
September 29, 2008
To my sisters,
The passing of "mama" was truly unexpected and I am in heartfelt grief with you all, but in my mind the grief and sadness are short lived. When I remember all of the fun times she initiated. I can hear her yelling "Dannie" go get the cheese for the burgers during the many poolside birthday parties. She will be missed, but we all know that she is with her mother and my daughter watching and waiting for us. She now knows the PEACE I am longing to feel. I live and love life everyday, but God tells us PEACE comes in the morning.
Good Morning!
Mama Pam
Adrienne Mattison
September 29, 2008
To the Chavis Family,
I can not express how saddened I am by the loss of a beautiful soul. She touched so many lives with her wisdom and courage. She was an unconditional friend and always had kind words of cheer. I hope you find comfort in knowing she will live on in the lives and minds she help guide including mine. May God bless and keep you in all your future endeavors.
Mrs. Adrienne Mattison, Triangle, Virginia
Joyce Taylor
September 29, 2008
Dear Lenore, Stephanie and Pam Rae,
I am overwhelmed with sadness at the untimely death of your mother, Pamella. She was one of the nicest, funniest and strongest women I have ever known. She was also a mother who loved each of you unconditionally. I will miss her.
Vicki High
September 29, 2008
To the Chavis Family I offer my condolences and prayers.
Vicki (Blowe) High
Barbara Howard
September 29, 2008
To the Chavis Family, I wish to extend my condolences and pray that these few words will comfort you in the days ahead. When it seems like everything in your world is changing, you can always find comfort in the simple everyday things that have always been and always will be, like the love and support of people who care and each other.
Barbara Noel-Howard, Alexandria, Virginia
Veronica Finch
September 29, 2008
Dear Lenore, Stephanie, and Pam Rae,
It is with deep regret and an aura of disbelief that I send my condolences. I was speaking of your Mom just last week recalling the time we worked together at Hampton University. Words cannot express the sorrow that I know you share. Some comfort may be realized from knowing the many lives that your mother touched,as well as the joy that she found in helping others. Alfred and I extend our deepest sympathy and pray that God will provide you the healing strength needed at this juncture in your lives.
Alfred and Veronica Finch
Bernard James
September 29, 2008
On behalf of the Huntington High Class of ''69' feelings of great loss are shared with the Poe-Chavis families.Pam was one to acknowledge classmembers birthdays, and we acknowledged hers. Acknowledgement now is for a special VIKING sister...
JOYCE MARSH
September 29, 2008
To the Chavis Family, Pam will surely be missed by all that knew her. Pam was always happy and smiling and loved her children and grandkids. To the daughters, your mother always talked about you all and was so proud of the accomplishments that you all chose. Be strong for one another as your mother would have it no other way. With Deepest Sympathy. Joyce Marsh & Colonial Downs Staff
Kim Johnson
September 29, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Ms. Chavis. I fondly remember her coming to my office when I was at Phoebus and sharing memories of when she was at HU. I am glad that I can remember her as a strong, versatile, very intelligent woman who knew her stuff!!! I pray for the comfort of the family at this difficult time.
Kim Johnson, Lindsay Middle School
Ethel Avent Edwards
September 29, 2008
I would like to extend condolences to the family of Pamella Poe Chavis from the 1969 graduating class of Huntington High School for which Pam was a member. We grieve each time one of our Viking family passes on. We pray that the Lord will give you strength and guidance in this time of sorrow.
shanna chiles
September 29, 2008
My mom and I will truly miss Ms.Pam. As our neighbor we enjoyed her visits and her making us laugh. She will truly be missed and our Prayers are with you and your family.
Shanna and Louise
Marissa & Thomas Morton
September 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Patricia Metts
September 29, 2008
Dear Chavis Family, I am so sorry to have to express condolences on the loss of such a special person. I will miss Pam dearly, as will all of her students here at Phoebus High School. Your family is in my prayers. Patty Metts
Katie Wolfe
September 29, 2008
I will miss Pam, She became my friend, and I looked forward to our conversations at Colonial Downs. It will never be the same. Smart, witty, strong, a force to be reckoned with, but who loved her family above all. My prayers are with your family.
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