Lillie Merle Chavers

Lillie Merle Janes Chavers was called Home on November 28, 2023, while at The Bee Hive Homes Assisted Living Facility after an extended challenge with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Merle was born August 28, 1937, to Robert Clinton Janes and Bessie C. (McNorton) Janes Smith near Brewton, Alabama. Merle is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Bernard S. Chavers of 49 years; and her three brothers, Luther Mack, Walter Lee (Red), and John Thomas (Tomboy) Janes. Merle is survived by her children, Dale (Patricia) Chavers of Crestview, FL, Diane (Terry) DeLoach of Navarre, FL, Donald (Tisha) Chavers of Pensacola, FL, and Danny (LeeAnn) Chavers of Prattville, AL; grandchildren, Ryan Chavers, Travis DeLoach, Amy (Tim) Bowden, Justin (Hayley) Chavers, Jakob (Beverly) Chavers, Skylar Chavers and Paxton Chavers; bonus grandchildren, Toni Doughtery, Michael DeLoach, Chris Chancey, Brae Lee Morris, and BreAnn Morris; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Bowden, Keegan Bowden, Delaine Jo Bowden, Destiny DeLoach, Camron DeLoach, and Logan Chavers; bonus great-grandchildren, Becca Doughtery, Joshua Katch, Isabella DeLoach, Jake DeLoach, McKinley and Mason McMenamin; sister, Mary Lou Jernigan of Molino, FL; brother, Billy Joe (Francine) Janes of Theodore, AL; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and two very dear lifelong friends, Gaye Kent and Faye Talley. Merle and Bernard moved to Pensacola in 1955 and became members of Olive Baptist Church. She was always ready to serve and volunteer wherever she was needed. She also volunteered on the FL Disaster Relief Team, and Ridgecrest in North Carolina. She enjoyed her Sunday school classes, game day on Mondays, and participating in Bible study groups. Merle was a homemaker and had a childcare facility within the home for many years, and in 1979, began working outside the home. She retired as a teacher’s aide from Woodham High School, where she was known for making biscuits for fundraisers. She was also an insurance agent for American Family Life and worked the “polls” during elections. During the 1970s, at Olive, Merle played on the women’s softball teams. She was a member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama, and a past member of the Ferry Pass and Ensley Eastern Star. She was a great cook, loved cooking for others, and was known for having something on the stove (maybe a left-over biscuit) or a cookie (usually oatmeal or peanut butter) in the glass jar for whomever stopped by. Merle enjoyed reading, visiting with friends, walking, baking goods, working in her flower beds, and traveling. She said “her best trip was to the Holy Land”. She had many friends and never met a stranger. Many said “she had a servant’s heart”. She loved her family, was loved by them, and will be missed by all. Merle’s family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the BeeHive Homes, and to Vitas Hospice for their thoughtful and dedicated care of our mom. Visitation services for Lillie Merle Chavers will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon, Monday, December 4, 2023 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North (1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, FL 32533). Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon with Dr. Jerry Passmore officiating. Merle will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Lillie Merle Chavers

August 28, 1937 - November 28, 2023