Ella Mae Chappell

Ella Mae Chappell, 97, of Dinwiddie died March 19, 2016. She was born in 1918 and raised on a farm in Dinwiddie with a large and close family. She graduated from Dinwiddie High School in 1935, attended secretarial school and worked at the Courthouse for Judge Barrow and as the clerk of the County Court until the early 1950's when her children started coming. She went back to work after the children were grown (Dinwiddie School Board office) and retired in 1980. In 1948, she married W.G. “Cotton” Chappell, who was a land surveyor. They were devoted to each other, and had a wonderful life together until his death in 1988. In addition to making a home for her family, she was active in her church, volunteered at her children's schools, worked with Cub Scouts and other community activities. She loved raising flowers and gardening. She enjoyed many a bridge game and card game with her friends. She was active and independent and able to drive (never had an accident) until age 95. Her health declined the last two years, but she could still get outside and plant flowers and work her garden until just a few months ago. She was the child of the late George C. Wells and Sylvia G. Wells. She was predeceased by her husband W.G. “Cotton” Chappell and by her siblings William “Billy” Wells, George “Snookie” Wells, Mary Edith Perkinson, and Joyce Williams. She is survived by sisters Ginnie Chappell, Jean Sharp, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by three children. John B. Chappell (Susan) of Dinwiddie, Sylvia A. Chappell of Brooklyn, NY, Richard G. Chappell (Debbie),of Chesterfield, five grandchildren, Kate Scales (James) of Charlottesville, Christopher Chappell (Aimee) of Mechanicsville, J. Barrett Chappell, Jr. (Staci) of Dinwiddie, David Chappell, of Richmond, and Daryl Chappell of Chesterfield; and by great grandchildren Elizabeth and Colleen Scales, Ryan and Drew Chappell, Isabella and Preston Chappell, and Alyssa and Emily Henshaw. Special appreciation to Joey Sparkman who was a loyal and attentive caregiver for the last 2 years. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday, March 22nd and funeral services, Wednesday, March 23rd at 10:00am both at JT Morriss & Son Funeral Home in Petersburg, VA. Burial immediately following the service at Southlawn Memorial Park. Family and friends are welcome at her house after the burial for food and fellowship. Memorial gifts can be made to Lebanon United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 156, Dinwiddie, VA, 23841. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .