Edna A. Chaires

Mrs. Edna Ann (Garrison) Chaires, 87, entered her eternal home and reunited with her beloved husband on Friday morning, September 12, 2025. Mrs. Chaires was born on August 4, 1938, in Ossipee, North Carolina. She was the only child of Gracie (Herbin) Garrison and James Garrison. She grew up with her grandparents, Minnie and Jule Herbin in North Carolina, while her parents went to work in Springfield, Massachusetts. One of the first grandchildren, she was nicknamed "Dobbie"; short for Doll Baby. The name stuck with her throughout her life. Some didn't even know her first name was Edna! A popular and busy student, the 1956 graduate of Graham High School (Graham, North Carolina) participated in activities such as choir, cheer squad, school newspaper staff and was voted Most Attractive.

She attended Mack's Chapel Holiness Church with her grandmother in Altamahaw, North Carolina and occasionally attended St. John's AME Church in Gibsonville, North Carolina with her grandfather. Edna met her future husband and life partner, Donald W. Chaires, in Springfield while they were both visiting their parents. They married on October 25,1957 and celebrated 64 years together! She enjoyed her life as a stay-at-home wife and mother. She wasn't a big fan of cooking, but had dinner on the table every day at 4:30 p.m. On occasion, she treated her family to delicious cakes and delectable sweet potato pies. She was a whiz at solving puzzles but also loved going out to eat and socializing with friends and family. When out of town family came to visit, they received top-tier hospitality. Later on, Mrs. Chaires worked retail at Steiger's Department Store, Woolworth's, and retired from Kmart on Boston Rd. She was also one of Springfield's first school bus monitors. Edna Chaires was a strong presence in the community, church, and social events. Following her children to Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church, she became a founding member of the new church development. She was ordained as both a Deacon and an Elder. She was also the co-organizer of the Ladies' Guild, a group which honored the graduates of the church. She also worked with the Vacation Bible School, the Women's Day committee, and the pastoral search committee. She was a member of the Springfield Urban League Guild in the 1970s- and early '80s. She was also a member of Allegria Club in the 1970s, a social club which presented scholarships to high school students. She served faithfully on Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center's Board of Directors. She participated in the Multicultural Services (MCS) Grandparents group for families raising grandchildren with special needs. She was also selected to speak to state committees and representatives regarding services for children with special needs.

Mrs. Edna Chaires was the devoted mother of Donna D. Chaires-Smith, Michael R. Chaires, and Velada Y. Chaires, all of Springfield. She was an amazing grandmother to Ayreall R. Ealy, A'Kala P.G. Chaires, A'Shaela V.G. Chaires, Samara L. Smith, and Rai'leen L.G. Chaires, and honorary grandmother to Shanice McKenzie, all of Springfield. She was the last of the original Westford Avenue mothers. She always told her family, "I love you more" and "Don't embarrass me!" She is blessed to be remembered by extended family, friends, and her community.

Services for Mrs. Chaires will be Thursday, September 25th at St. John's Congregational Church. The viewing will be at 10 a.m. with the celebration starting at 11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.mysjcc.org.