Thomas Wilbert Chewe

A Life Well-Lived and Joyfully Remembered: Thomas Wilbert Chewe Born on March 11, 1936, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, Thomas Wilbert Chewe was the beloved firstborn of Otho Chewe and Willie Bea Rutledge Chewe. The eldest of seven children, he embraced his role with wisdom and grace. Though preceded in death by his dear parents and brothers Elbert, Terry, Sonny, and Paul, their memories live on in the legacy of love they shared. From a young age, Thomas anchored his life in faith, professing his belief in Jesus Christ at East Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A.C. Houston. His devotion only deepened through the years. Becoming a deacon at just 18, Thomas went on to serve as Chair of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, and a proud member of the Men's Choir. His unwavering commitment to EBC remained constant throughout his life. Thomas was a pillar of his community in every sense. Educated in the Pontotoc public schools and later at the University of Oklahoma, he exemplified a lifelong love of learning and service. For 50 remarkable years, he worked at the Pontotoc Post Office, all while running his own successful concrete finishing business. His leadership extended far beyond the workplace. He served on the Pontotoc City School Board for an extraordinary 34 years and contributed to the LIFT Board for 8 years. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #61. Generous with both his time and resources, Thomas supported countless other organizations and causes with a joyful spirit. Above all, Thomas was a family man-steadfast in his roles as husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He cherished time with his loved ones and was the ultimate fan of the Pontotoc Warriors and Ole Miss teams. Family road trips brought him great delight, and even in his later years, he found joy traveling to Louisiana to hear his great-grandson, Rev. Annanias Word, preach. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Elbert, Terry, Sonny, and Paul Chewe; and son-in-law, Andrew Lee Hobson. He is survived by his wife, Auther Mae Chewe; daughters, Pat Hobson of Pontotoc, MS and Marie (Michael) Elliott of Florissant, MO; sisters, Sylvia (James) Gregory of Pontotoc, MS and Ruby Brown of Chicago, IL; brother, Roy Chewe of Pontotoc, MS; sisters-in-law Gwendolyn Chewe of Pontotoc, MS and Joyce Beckley of Pittsburgh, PA.; brother-in-law Robert (Barbara) Moore of Springfield, IL; four grandchildren, Tonya (Richmond) Smith of Pontotoc, MS, Kenosha Hobson of Dallas, TX, Aiymaris (Kanesia) Elliott, Sr., of Virginia Beach, VA and Mikale Elliott of South Bend, IN, great-grandchildren Annanias Word (Andrea), Aiymaris Elliott, II and Khatia Elliott and Richmond Smith, III, "bonus greats", Tre'von, Devon, Kaleb and Kaeli; three great-great-grandchildren, Jaycee, Ava and Jayloni; a host of loving nieces and nephews-especially Samuel and Ahkerria Chewe and Roilyn Edwards- "bonus children," George (Valerie) Noflin, Teresa (E.L.) Petty, Marissa and Ricardo Pittman and close family friends Barry Ford and Conwell Duke. Thomas's life was a shining example of faith, commitment, and joy. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. Visitation will be Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM at East Baptist Church, 340 Clark Street, Pontotoc, MS. Funeral service will be Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Pontotoc High School Gymnasium, 123 North Main Street, Pontotoc, MS.