CHEWNING, Ellen Hunt, 84, of Richmond, formerly of Wake Forest, N.C., died on October 21, 2009 at Cedarfield. She was a graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia. She retired in 1986 from the position of supervisor of Guidance Services for the Richmond Public Schools. During her extensive education career, she received numerous honors and awards including delegate to the White House Conference on Children and Youth, Life Membership Award, Virginia Congress of PTA; Distinguished Service Award, Virginia Education Association; Humanitarian and Caring Person Award, American Association of Non-White Concerns; and Career Service Award, Virginia Counselors Association. She was president of the Richmond Urban League from 1980 to 1981. She was also the first woman appointed to the Henrico County School Board, the first woman to serve on the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Board and the first woman to chair the Henrico Democratic Committee. After her retirement, she continued to play an active role in her community and her church, First Baptist Church of Richmond. She served on the board of the Daily Planet and was a member of the Steering Council of Richmond Urban Partnerships for Education (RUPES). In 1998, she received both the Outstanding Citizen Award by the Virginia Council on Social Welfare, Capital Area District and the Humanitarian and Caring Person Award by the Virginia Counselors Association. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Chewning; sister, Sue Smith; brother, William Hunt and his wife, Brenda; son, Thomas Chewning Jr. and his wife, Ute; daughter, Barbara Deeks and her husband, Jeff; granddaughter, Lynn Pekmezian and her husband, Dean; grandson, John Chewning and his wife, Danielle; five great-grandchildren, Ashley, Nicholas and Maci Pekmezian, Aubrey and Owen Chewning. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 North Parham Road. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2009 in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to Missions Trips, First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23220
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Ellen Chewning was a model of religious and compassionate service, especially for the many students and guidance personnel for whom she provided professional services. I was so saddened by her death and pray for the family. She was a role model for me in the guidance field. K.Boatright Brown.
Kay Brown
November 05, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Tom,
We are so sorry to learn about Ellen. She was certainly among the greats, always doing for others. She set a high example for us to try to follow. I want you to know that you and the family are on our minds, and in our prayers as you try to adjust to a new way of life without her.
Sincerely,
Norman D. Graham,
Richmond, Va.
Norman Graham
October 24, 2009 | Richmond, VA
Ellen Chewning always placed students first and was very helpful to those of us who worked with the young people of our schools.
I send my sympathy to Mr. Chewning and other family members. May her memory be eternal.
Tom Stavredes
October 22, 2009 | Glen Allen, VA
