Perneller Handy Chester

Scripture:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
Perneller Handy Chester was born on November 18, 1951, in Bessemer, Alabama, to Luevell Brown and Thomas Merriweather. She was the eldest of six children on her mother's side, Roger, Shirley, Douglas, Daphne, and Yulonda, and the eldest of four on her father's side, Carolyn, Queen and Thomas Jr.
At a young age, Perneller moved to Chicago to begin a new chapter in her life. Over the years, she held a variety of jobs that reflected her versatility and drive. She worked as a court reporter, a saleswoman in the Men's Department at Carson Pirie Scott, contributed to Cradle to the Classroom, and drove for Uber and Lyft. She even opened a candy store in her home, earning the beloved title of "the candy lady."
In 1977, while working as a secretary at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Perneller met King Stanley Chester. They married just 30 days after meeting. Perneller had fraternal twins, Eric and Erikka, from a previous relationship, and together she and King had three children: identical twin daughters, Stacie and Tracie, and a son, King. After 15 years of marriage, the couple divorced.
Later, Perneller found enduring love with Michele Page. Their relationship spanned over three decades, marked by a deep bond and a shared understanding. Michele remained by her side when it mattered most.
In the 1990s, Perneller opened her heart and home as a foster parent. She often cared for her nieces and nephew to support her siblings and later welcomed children she didn't know, offering them love and stability. Two foster children, Karl Rainey and De'Janée Young, held a special place in her life. Karl became family over the years, and De'Janée, who returned as an adult, became Perneller's caregiver, mirroring the care Perneller once gave her.
Perneller had a discerning palate and a passion for cooking. She was known for her caramel and lemon pound cakes, her signature three-layer pineapple cake, and sweet potato pies. She made oatmeal on the stove for her grandkids, never the instant kind-and always tried to bake each person's favorite cake for birthdays and special occasions.
Her favorites were unmistakable: cold RC Cola in a can, Corn Pops and Corn Flakes cereal, Freedent gum in the GREEN pack, Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars, Hills Bros coffee, Salem cigarettes, gold jewelry (never silver), Knowing Perfume by Estee Lauder, the color green "like money" she'd say, gambling at the casino (Horseshoe was her favorite), calling her eldest Granddaughter Ashuanti in Milwaukee every time the Chicago Bears played the Green Bay Packers, ANY food that Stacie's husband Robert made, Wheel of Fortune, daytime soap operas, Luther Vandross, Johnny Gill, Kenny G, and R. Kelly's "Happy People." Perneller had a few favorite sayings: "Alright Naw", "Knowing is Everything", "I Don't Know Where I'm Going, But I Am On My Way," and she had many more. At any given moment you would hear Perneller singing this song:Hello, Hello, Hello and How Are You, I'm Fine, I'm Fine and I Hope That You Are Too.
Perneller passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2025, at the age of 73, following a period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luevell Brown and Thomas Merriweather; siblings Shirley, Daphne, Roger, and Douglas; her daughter Tracie; and granddaughter Dominique.
She is survived by her sister Yulonda Wallace; her children Eric, Erikka, Stacie (Robert Sr.), and King; her grandchildren Ashuanti, Eric Jr. (x3), Dnai, Tranell (Ronald III), Victorias, Aniya, Anthony Jr., and Oaklei K.; great-grandchildren Tracie and Tamera; her significant other Michele Page; her favorite cousin Wilma Blakley (William Martin); her best friend Delores Mohamedzein; and a host of other loving family and friends.
Special Remarks:
Mom, I LOVE YOU more than all the Stars in the Sky. I know that you will continue to put your arms around me and my children until we meet again. I know that you loved me and that you were proud of me, because you told me often. I love you mom, and I am proud to say that I am Perneller Chester's Daughter. Now you can Rest Mom.
Stacie Folk
On August 8, 2016, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Chester through DCFS, when I was 17 years old and she became my legal guardian. From the very beginning, I was struck by her warmth, kindness, and unwavering care. To know her was truly to love her. She showed me every day that she wanted nothing but the best for me, facing every obstacle with grace, strength and determination. Her love and guidance shaped my life in ways that I will carry with me forever.
De'Janée Young
"We did it our way"
Michele Page