Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Fannie Lee Chaney
Fannie Lee Chaney
Obituary
Guest Book
Fannie Lee Chaney Obituary
Ben Chaney said Wednesday from his mother's home in Willingboro, New Jersey, that funeral arrangements were pending and information would be released later.
His older brother James Chaney was killed on June 21, 1964, in central Mississippi's Neshoba County, along with fellow civil rights workers Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman.
The case was the basis of the 1988 movie "Mississippi Burning."
Mississippi prosecutors revived their investigation of the slayings a few years ago, and Fannie Lee Chaney testified in June 2005 at the Philadelphia, Mississippi, trial of reputed Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen.
Killen was convicted on three counts of manslaughter on June 21, 2005 - exactly 41 years after the deaths. Now 82, Killen is serving a 60-year prison sentence.
Fannie Lee Chaney, then 82, testified that her son James had gone to join the other two in delivering books.
"He never come back," she said.
She said she moved from Mississippi in 1965 after receiving threats that including one by a man who said he would dynamite her house. She said another caller told her "I wasn't going to be there long before I be put in a hole like James was."
Chaney, a black man from Mississippi, and Schwerner and Goodman, white men from New York, were looking into the torching of a black church and helping register black voters during what was called Freedom Summer. They had been stopped for speeding, jailed briefly and then released, after which they were ambushed by a gang of Klansmen.
Their bodies were found weeks later buried in an earthen dam. They had been beaten and shot.
Killen was tried along with several others in 1967 on federal charges of violating the victims' civil rights. The all-white jury deadlocked in Killen's case, but seven others were convicted. None served more than six years. Killen was the only person ever indicted on state murder charges in the case.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
203 Entries
Valenda Newell
July 15, 2016
A woman of COURAGE and much STRENGTH, folks will never know what FANNIE went through with the murder of her son, only others that experience the same circumstance can fathom. She did see JUSTICE b4 leaving this place we call earth, THANK GOD.......MANY MANY BLESSINGS
Cynthia Cameron
August 5, 2014
God Bless
January 21, 2013
Ms.Chaney was a good friend of my mothers and I have a pic of her, Nellie Clark, and Albertha White. They all worked together as Towers Nursing Home in New York.
June 19, 2012
Maggie and All,
Sorry about your relative dying.
BMC William H. Cain, USN, Ret
NJROTC
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH HIGH SCHOOL
LITTLE RIVER, SC, 29566
How you can show support
MaryAnn Ross
February 7, 2012
Aunt Fannie not a day go by that I don't think about all the go times. I really miss all the telephone calls, and all the advice. I love you so much and I know God has another angel. All My Love!
September 30, 2011
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort you and your family.
Know that very shortly death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things will have passed away.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
D. Clark
Sarah Leeder
May 6, 2011
Miss Fanny Lee Chaney,
I cannot imagine the depth of your dispair all these years.Your son's story never left my thoughts.and his bravery and the bravery of those he was with that day, will remain,always an inspiration to me. As will you.
Shelia Yvette Walker
October 13, 2009
My English classes are studying Mildred D Taylor's novel, The Road to Memphis. Sharing the legacy of James Chaney during the Mississippi Burning and Freedom Summer eras was an excellent way to teach the historical context and times in which this novel was written. I served as musician and choir director for Mrs. Chaney's Homegoing Services in Meridian. I was blessed to be midst of civil rights leaders and AG Jim Hood as they spoke of a a mother's fight to see the men responsible for her child's death brought to justice during her lifetime. May she rest in peace now!
Rhoda Glasco-Foderingham
September 3, 2007
To the Family of Fannie Chaney,
I recently learned from Ben about the passing of his mother, Mrs. Chaney. My relationship with Mrs. Chaney is one that I will always cherish. I remember meeting her in Fort Lauderdale. Her visit with my aunt and me in the early 70's went from a few days to months. Our friendship continued through the years. She will be remembered as a person who continued to pursue the civil rights of persons long after the murder of her son James.
May God continue to bless the family.
Bettye Wooley-St. John
July 9, 2007
TO KNOW AND TALK TO MRS CHANEY WAS LIKE, SITTING IN FRONT OF A STRONG QUEEN-MOTHER.
I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE HER CONSIDER ME AS... "ONE OF HER CHILLUNS" AND SHE HAD MANY. (*Smile*)
I LOVED FANNIE CHANEY, AND I WILL FOREVER MISS YOU. I WILL HOLD YOUR MEMORY IN MY HEART ALWAYS.
MAY GOD, GIVE YOU ETERNAL PEACE, AS WE CONTINUE TO MARCH ON FOR JUSTICE.
Shamein Morris(Chaney)
June 10, 2007
I loved my great grandma with all my heart and when i found out she finally went to go met her maker and my great uncle her son it hurt so much i just wanted to go crawl under a rock and go with her but i realized that cant be until its my time. My family and I would like to thank all of you for you'll support at these troublein times. It is greatly apperciated 1luv
André Pronovost
June 4, 2007
Poems and prayers from French Canada.
Shelia Y. Walker
May 31, 2007
Heaven rejoices over the homecoming of Mrs.Chaney. Her untiring faith in God and in the
American justice system enabled her to see those responsible for her son's death brought to justice.
Barry Bradford
May 31, 2007
Dear Friends,
We have come to love your family through our work in getting the Mississippi Burning case reopened. Your mother and grandmother was a beautiful and strong woman and her passing leaves the world sadder. However, she uplifted all who knew her and she will never be forgotten.
Our deepest condolences.
Barry Bradford
Allison Nichols
Brittany Saltiel
Sarah Siegel
David Copeland
May 29, 2007
Toni, you have my sincere sympathy during this time. Know that your grandmothers brave spirit lives in your heart, mind and soul.
Peggy Williams
May 29, 2007
I would like to give my condolence, to the Chaney Family. Toni I may not have known your grandmother, but personally I think she was a wonderful person. She will always be with you and your family in spirit. She is not gone, for you and your family hearts she will always live on.
Your Friend Peggy Williams
Michael Barr
May 29, 2007
You have my deepest sympathy during your families time of transition. It is up to you and your family to keep the memory and leagcy of Ms. Fannie going. May God bless you and your family.
PRISCILLA WOODY
May 29, 2007
TO TONI AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU'LL IN THE TIME OF YOUR LOST. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY..
GOD NEEDS HER NOW..
Crystal Grey
May 29, 2007
To The Chaney Family:
May God Bless Your Family during your time of bereavement.You have a special prayer coming from me.
IS 195
Carolyn McKay
May 28, 2007
Lord take the Chaney family in your hands guide them throughout the day and all they do. I know you will walk with them through their travels of life. Comfort them with your blessing they need your kindness and tender care Lord help them face another day. (I saw the Lord he heard me and deliver me. Psalms 34.4) God look down on Grandma Chaney he saw her burden was getting heavy he sent his angels down to give her rest. Don't fret or cry she's dancing in heaven looking down at you smiling. She's in heaven teaching the other angels how to make a quilt. Grandma you will be miss!!!
Katima Cannady
May 28, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Chaney family. Grandma Chaney was a wonderful person, she was like a great grandmother that I never had. She truly will be miss.
May 28, 2007
You were truly one of God's angels sent from above, a woman of God so full of grace and love.Woman of God we praise you in every way, keeping you in our hearts each and every day.
love always,
Charles Roberts & family
Lucy Cherry & family
Betty Leflouria & family
Tyrone Roberts
Eugene Roberts
Gladys Hopson's family
Leon Roberts' family
Betty J Killingsworth/Howard
May 28, 2007
God be with you all it is a honner to put my name and parants name
The Washington Family
May 28, 2007
You have my deepest prayer. May God continue to bless you and your family always.
The Washington Family
Anonymous
May 28, 2007
May God bless you...
Mr & Mrs Eric L. Thompson
May 28, 2007
Our hearts and thoughts are with you and the family of mother Chaney god bless you
Kimberly Taylor
May 28, 2007
May you rejoice with your loving son in God's arms.Rest in peace my sister.
Philip Freeman
May 28, 2007
To the Chaney Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear about the recent passing of your mother and civil rights pioneer, Fannie Lee Chaney. I had the pleasure of having her as an honored guest on behalf of the NJ Division on Civil Rights at our Black history Month Celebration on February 28, 2006, at the NJN television studios in Trenton, NJ. Her presence there was the biggest event in our careers as civil rights officials, and had a great impact on the lives of those who attended, which included former NJ Attorney General Zulima Farber, and NJ Secretary of State Nina Wells. We were also very proud and honored to present Mrs. Chaney with a plaque, in honor of her late son, James Chaney, and we will always remember her courage and presence among us, and will never forget how she truly touched our lives that wonderful day.
Your mother will always be an inspiration to us and to our nation as we continue the struggle for civil rights and social justice in America. Her life is one that will truly be remembered.
Sincerely,
Philip E. Freeman, Sr.
Assistant Director
NJ Division on Civil Rights
Dr Eleanor Phifer/Pastor
May 28, 2007
The Chaney Family
Mrs Fannie Lee Chaney, will live on in loving memories as a unique LEGEND to all. She was Favored by God.
Loreen Livingston
May 28, 2007
May the GOD of all comfort who comforts us in all our pains and sorrows give you the needed comfort to endure in this most painful time.
God assures us "That all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out; those who practice good to a resurrection of life".
With my deepest sympathy
Victoria McNeill
May 28, 2007
My deepest respects rest in peace.
Kenny Bouy
May 28, 2007
At the time..I was in school in central GA., had no inkling of the MS. strife, etc., ...first indication was introduction to a different states.."voter application test"..to this day, it was an eye-opener...RIP, both of you.
Michael Mastrolia
May 28, 2007
God rest your soul Fannie Lee. Rejoice in the presence of your son once again.
MARY WILLIAMS
May 28, 2007
MAY THE WONDERFUL LOVE OF GOD
COMFORT YOUR FAMILY.MY SYMPATHY
TO YOU
Tracy Sims (and Tracee Jennings)
May 28, 2007
My deepest Sympathy for the family. You are blessed to be apart of such a beautiful woman. May her and her son's legacy live on forever!
marie jones
May 28, 2007
i am sorry about the loss of your dear love one may the god of peace give your and your family the strenght to cope with the enemy death, i know she will be dearly missed.
The Stephens/Miller Family
May 28, 2007
Take the comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel watching over you. Well keep you in our prayers.
Christine Hanna
May 28, 2007
Hoping your son was there to greet you. I didn't know Ms. Chaney, but read of her passing tonight and wanted to extend my condolences. I am sure that the Faith she taught her family provided a perfect example to many more generations. It must be wonderful and powerful to have known her. Peace to you all.
Constance Cross
May 27, 2007
God is to be Glorified! Mrs. Chaney has shown strength and faith in God during some very tough times. She is now rejoicing in her reward.
Frizel Stanley
May 27, 2007
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY
Gladys Grimaud
May 27, 2007
My prayers are with the Chaney family and my heart is grateful for the offering of sacrificial love that you gave for others. There is no greater love than for a man to give his life for another. May God comfort you at this time of loss.
Diana Stanford
May 27, 2007
Thank you for being you. You have encouraged and inspired us to stand up and persevere for what is right. It has been an honor and a privilege to have graced the earth with you. God Bless and sincere sympathy to the family.
ENID DAVIS
May 27, 2007
IN THIS TIME OF DEEP SORROW I WANT SEND THE CHANEY FAMILY MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES. SHE IS NOW IN HEAVEN WHERE HER SON JAMES WAS WAITING AND GREETED HER AT HEAVEN'S GATES. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Terri Dunaway
May 27, 2007
Rest in peace dear lady, you fought a long hard fight and with a heavy heart in the loss of your son. May God bestow many heavenly rewards upon you now as you rest in his glory and love.
annie lynn
May 27, 2007
thank god your mother was able to live and witness and know that justice was served
thank god may god be with the rest of your family
al lynn of new jersey
Miranda Pace-Johnson
May 27, 2007
I want to send my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart.
SAINTCLAIR POINDEXTER
May 27, 2007
To Chaney Family:
Thanks for the gift that your Mom, Mrs Chaney gave to the world in the Form of her son, James we might have never known justice. May Gods love be with you as my family say to you God Bless you and we love you.
SaintClair Poindexter & Family
South Bend, IN
Anna Marie Wingert
May 27, 2007
My condolences to all the family members. Know your loved one is now at rest and is able to see her lovely son's face once again, and others that passed before her.
Elizabeth Whing
May 27, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Love Ma
James Pugh
May 27, 2007
May God Bless You and your family.Sorry for your loss.
For Your Brother-In-Law
V. Woody
May 27, 2007
Sorry for your loss and may God bless your family at this time. May your memories continue to bring smiles to hearts although I know your hearts are torn apart.
Love Woody & Family
Linda Adams
May 27, 2007
My thoughts and condolences to the family of this strong lady!! I'm quite certain she was met with the opened arms of God!!!!
debra brinkley-bloedau
May 27, 2007
I did not know your mother personally, but I have heard so many inspiring things about her & her wonderful offspring & I believe that God is introducing her to heaven right now as " My daugther Fannie Lee Chaney in whom I am well pleased"
My wish is that God will bless, keep you & give you peace
Debra Lynn Brinkley-Bloedau
Sheila Smith
May 27, 2007
Rest in Peace Fannie.
Herman L Davis, Jr.
May 26, 2007
May 26, 2007
To the family: May the peace that passes all understanding be with you during this hour in mourning the loss of your loved one. Our prayers are with each of you. Mrs. Chaney has now joined her son and others around the Great Throne. God Bless You.
DORIAN AND BERNADETTE ADAMS
May 26, 2007
HOPE THAT ALL YOUR PRAYS BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. KNOW THAT MS. CHANEY WAS A STRONG BLACK WOMEN.
Michael & Mitchell Lattimore
May 26, 2007
Thank you grandmama for all the love you have given to us through the years. We will miss you very much.
Shareen Wood
May 26, 2007
To the Chaney family:
May god continue to bless you and your family. You have my deepest symmpathy.
Vanessa Gaillard
May 26, 2007
Chaney family you have my blessings and sympathy. Grandmama you'll be missed dearly.
ELLA RODGERS
May 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ruth Wells
May 26, 2007
Blessing and comfort to all of the family in your time of grief, and thank you.
MRS.GEORGIA SIMS JOHNSON SIMS-JOHNSON-FAMILY
May 26, 2007
TO ;THE CHANEY FAMILY
YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY KNOW
THERE ARE MANY HEARTS THAT UNDERSTAND
AND CARE BE AS STRONG AS YOUR (" MOTHER")
THE SIMS-JOHNSON-FAMILY
IN DETROIT,MICH.
The Collins and Felton Family
May 26, 2007
May God continue to bless you and your family. May this beautiful lady rest in peace.
Timothy Ochiltree
May 26, 2007
It is people like Mrs. Fannie Lee who make the world a better place to live.....
CARL & ARNA FOSTER
May 26, 2007
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ryan Hunsinger
May 26, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
LI NEAL
May 26, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.
Terri Washington
May 26, 2007
May God bless keep and comfort you through this time of sorrow. Your mother's strength should live on as a testiment to all that we stand for something or fall for anything. May the Lord keep you close.
Marie Dabney
May 26, 2007
Our condolences to the Family of Ms. Fannie Lee Chaney. What a strong and courageous woman that we all grew to love and admire. May God Bless and continue to comfort your family during such a time as this.
The Dabney Family
Patricia
May 26, 2007
May god bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
KEMBERLY CREAGER
May 26, 2007
TO THE CHANEY FAMILY: WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES. YOUR BROTHER PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR ALL OF US..HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR WHAT HE BELIEVED IN. MAY PEACE BE UPON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS.
Patrick Verdun Sr
May 26, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Vickey & Kenny Autry
May 26, 2007
To Miss Fannie's family, my deepest sympathy. Thank you all for sharing this wonderful lady with the world. She was surely a courageous lady. God has Blessed us all by her presence in this world. May God Bless and Keep you all in His Loving Care during your time of need.
Helen Marzette Kidd
May 25, 2007
May God bless and keep this family!
diane hobbs
May 25, 2007
SHE CAN REST IN PEACE WITH HER SON BLESSING TO THE FAMILY.
Charlotte Merritt
May 25, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
EBONY JOHNSON
May 25, 2007
WOW! I WOULD FIRST LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR YOUR BLESSINGS. IM GLAD TO KNOW THAT MY GREAT GRANDMA WAS VERY LOVED. SHE WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. SHE WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS AND HER LEGACY WILL LIVE ON. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONES SUPPORT AND GOD BLESS.
Kathleen Collins
May 25, 2007
May God give you peace and strength daily.
Robert Watkins
May 25, 2007
God Bless her family at this time.
Latoya Boyd
May 25, 2007
Grandma Chaney you will be missed Thank you for excepting me into your family your greatgrand children will miss you...you will live on in my heart for ever...
Love always your grand daughter Toya and Great grand children James & Tyler
TAMELA ABOR
May 25, 2007
To The Family:May God Bless & Keep You & Give You Strength In Your Time Of Loss and Sorrow.
Marvin Howard
May 25, 2007
Thoughts of mine so warm so true, you've planted and left your seeds, we will miss you. Now is not the time to forget what you've done, but to rejoice, for now your with the Son. (and the Father) Congratulations Ms. Fannie, your work is done; you've gone home.
Shawn Eaton
May 25, 2007
"Blessed are they that mourn,for they shall be comforted."
Debra Baker
May 25, 2007
May god bless and keep you in his care. Hold on to His unchanging hand. You may weep for the night, but joy will come in the morning.
Dorothy Crockett
May 25, 2007
God has a beautiful new angel. Rest in peace, dear lady, with your courageous son. He and you were splendid warriors for justice!
Rev. Joyce Roundtree
May 25, 2007
God bless the Chaney family.
Elder Tobias Hawkins, Jr.
May 25, 2007
May God bless and comfort the family.
Cheryl & Keith Woods
May 25, 2007
GOD BLESS THE FAMILY DOING THIS TIME OF GRIEF AND PAST TIME.
Sedalia Brabson
May 25, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Goldens
May 25, 2007
God always have the best plan. He left her here to see that justice would come. She is resting now. God bless the entire family. Our prayers are with you.
Vanessa Guy
May 25, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
ALVIN-RITA SPRATLEY
May 25, 2007
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
BARELYNN COOPER-HEBERT
May 25, 2007
TO THE CHANEY FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS YOU.MY PRAYERS,ARE WITH YOU.I'M GLAD YOUR MOTHER WERE HERE TO SEE JUSTICE DONE.NOW,SHE'S AT PEACE WITH THE LORD.SHE CAN NOW REST.SHE MAY NOT BE HERE IN BODY,BUT,SHE WIL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU IN SPIRIT.THE MEMORIES YOU HOLD IN YOUR HEART,WILL LIVE ON FOREVER.
GOD BLESS YOU ,
KEEP YOU
BARELYNN COOPER-HEBERT
Margaret Lewis
May 25, 2007
Deepest sympathy to the Chaney family . . .
We are able to honor the generations before us by continuing on their path, by learning and teaching the generations that will follow in our foot steps. The only reasons we have been able to see just a little farther than our ancestors, is because we have been standing on their shoulders for generations.
God bless and keep you . . .
Liz Dawson
May 25, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Sigler
May 25, 2007
I did not know the family, only of their story. My heart goes out to all of you! Mother & son are now reunited! God bless!
TaNia Hardaway
May 25, 2007
May you and your son rest in eternal peace and may the memory of your son be remembered and carried on for the sacrifices he made for African Americans.
Carmen Thomas
May 25, 2007
Chaney Love One's: Mrs Fannie lost her son in 1964 Can not image the feeling of hurt and despair she harvart. She was able to witness justice being serve. Mrs Fannie now can rest and be welcome home by her son who is waiting her with open arms. May she rest in peace
Showing 1 - 100 of 203 results
Make a Donation
in Fannie Lee Chaney's name
How to support Fannie Lee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Fannie Lee Chaney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored