Dr. Frank DuBois Chester

Frank DuBois Chester May 18, 1921- October 19, 2005 COLUMBUS, GA— Dr. Frank DuBois Chester, the son of the late Mary Alice Walker Chester and Roscoe Chester was born May 18, 1921 in Columbus, GA. His demise came on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at his residence. Mr. Chester attended the public schools of Muscogee County, Georgia. The Homegoing Celebration will be noon, today, October 24, 2005 at First African Baptist Church. The Rev. Robert Dickerson, Pastor, officiating and the interment will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, according to Sconiers Funeral Home, 836 5th Avenue, Columbus. His career began at the Army Airforce Exchange Services. He entered the U.S. Army after working for AAFES for six years. Mr. Chester served in the Army for three years and returned to his position with AAFES. He once supervised the world's largest Army PX in Vietnam. He retired in 1977 as Supervisor of all Post Exchange Branches at Fort Benning. For more than fifty years, Mr. Chester was a member of First African Baptist Church, where he faithfully served on the Trustee Board. His commitment to community service encouraged him to seek the position of City Councilman, where he served for twenty years. As a District Councilor representing South Columbus, Mr. Chester represented approximately one-fourth of the city's population. As a member of the City Council, Frank chaired several committees and led many successful initiatives. Mr. Chester was connected civically, politically, and socially. His personal and professional involvements were endless. He was tireless and relentless in serving the community that he so loved. In addition to being a committed public official, Frank found the time to participate and be an active member of many boards and organizations, namely; Golden Gate Exchange Region, Medical Center Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Medical Center Authority, YMCA, SO-C-25, South Kiwanis Club, National League of Cities, Georgia Municipal Association and many others. He earned the following awards and citations, Joe Frank Harris Award for Post, Medical Center Hospital Authority Community Service Award, Credit Union Citation for Meritorious Service, the Medal for Civilian Services in Vietnam, AAFES Meritorious Civilian Award, 1980 Service Award from First African Baptist Church, YMCA Certificate of Appreciation, Jack Brinkley Certificate of Merit, Certificate for Outstanding Dedicated Service from the Moderns INC. Frank's life was rich in so many ways. Strength, commitment and courage were his hallmark. He never compromised his principals. He was fair, consistent and loyal to his family and friends. Mr. Chester loved his city and was a servant to mankind. His life will continue to inspire us. He was preceded in death by three brothers, George Chester, Curtis Chester, and Roscoe Chester. He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife, Joann "Jo" Ford Chester; two daughters, Lillie Brown of Union Springs, AL., Shakita Ford of Columbus, GA.; a granddaughter, Tonya M. Johnson; one grandson, Xavier "Partner" Ford; a great granddaughter, Kassandria Hollinhead, all of Columbus, GA.; a great grandson, Kemen Cromartie of Union Springs, AL.; special nieces, Michalene Chester of Alpharetta, GA., Jean Manning of Huntsville, AL.; sisters-in-law, Brenda Brooks and Carol Harris, both of Columbus; three brothers-in-law, Robert (Juanita) Ford of South Carolina, Charles (Ella) Brooks of Atlanta, GA., Lawrence (Ann) Brooks of Columbus; a host of nieces and nephews, families and friends, special caretakers, Janet Daley, Marci Chilsom, Patricia White, and Jared Thomas.