Delores Chappell

Delores Chappell, a woman whose life was a testament to unwavering faith and tireless service, transitioned peacefully from this side of life in her home on Friday, May 30, 2025. Born on August 20, 1940, in Kilgore, Texas, to Mary and William Downs, Delores was one of ten children raised in Riverside, California.
Delores's spiritual journey began early at the Emerald Avenue Church of Christ now known as the Lincoln Church of Christ. After graduating high school, she continued her education at Southwestern Christian College (SWCC) in Terrell, Texas, graduating with the class of 1960. While at SWCC, she was an active member of the Acapella Chorus and the Dorcas Club. It was there she met and married the late Melvin Lee Chappell. For 39 blessed years, Delores was Melvin's devoted partner, working alongside him in the church, diligently doing the Lord's work until his passing. Their loving union was blessed with two children, Melanie and Larry. Larry and his wife, Loretta, gave Delores the apple of her eye, her granddaughter Loren.
A tireless worker who never complained, Delores always sought ways to help others. Her melodious voice was a gift she shared through various chorus groups, bringing joy to many. She also possessed a remarkable gift for teaching, speaking at numerous Ladies Day events, leading Ladies Bible classes, and ministering to youth. For over 14 years, she graciously opened her home to teach a ladies' bible class.
Delores's ministry was vast and impactful, spanning over 70 years. She was deeply involved in the Women's Prison Ministry, Youth Ministry, Senior Saints Ministry, and the Ladies of Elegance (a widow's ministry). Her dedication extended to serving on the boards of the Mizetta Winston Foundation, The JS Winston Sound Doctrine Foundation, and the Melvin L ee Chappell Scholarship Fund. She brightened the lives of others while serving in nursing homes and jail ministers as a fast and efficient volunteer with the North Texas Food Ban k. As part of the United Christian Ladies ministry, she willingly did whatever was needed and encouraged other women, near and far, including at biennial Minister's Wife Retreats across different states. Delores had a unique ability to correct with love, always finding a way where there seemed to be none, embodying a spirit of resourcefulness.
Delores loved the Lord, His Church, and His work with all her heart. She found joy in traveling, visiting her siblings, attending plays, and fellowshipping with her brothers and sisters in Christ. A truly virtuous woman, a "Titus 2 woman," Delores was a good wife, diligently labored with others, fulfilled her responsibilities, provided for her family, and freely shared her wisdom. To know her was to love her; she was truly a blessing from the Lord.
Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Chappell; her parents, Mary and William Downs Sr.; brothers Emmit Downs, Willia m Downs Jr., Curtis Downs, and Paul Downs; and sisters Josephine Downs and Shirley Brown.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her devoted daughter and son, Melanie Chappell; Larry Chappell and his wife, Loretta; and her beloved granddaughter, Loren Chappell. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Bridges (Joe) of Woodland Hills, California, and Clara Hart (Willard) of Houston, Texas; her brother, Larry Downs of Bannings, California; sisters-in-law Jean Sharp of Dallas, Texas, Juanita Willard (Riley) of McKinney, Texas, and Josephine Brightmon (Paul) of Dallas, Texas; brother-in-law Claude Ra y Chappell (Jackie) of Fort Worth, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family extends special thanks to her dedicated caregiver, Karen Chatman, who provided excellent care for over two years, along with Phyllis Davis and her granddaughter Erica Sanders, Louise Shephard (her "Road Dog"), Sandra McCall, Gloria Ross, Ladine Nobles, Ann Mayeaux, and Reliant at Home (Hospice) for their compassionate support.
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