Alma Louise Chaney

Alma Louise Smith Chaney completed her earthly life on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 3:00pm. She was born July 8, 1931 in Union, MS to George and Sallye Cleveland Smith.

She graduated from Union High School in 1948 and continued her education at East Central Junior College where she enjoyed participating in plays performed by the drama department. This was also where she married the love of her life Bill Chaney, who was a military man. She quickly became the dutiful military wife. After completing his military service, the couple moved to Hattiesburg where they attended the University of Southern Mississippi. They simultaneously received BS degrees in Education, and later, Louise also received a Master’s Degree in Administration. Louise actually began her teaching career in Center Ridge, MS in a two room school where she taught grades 1-4 and her husband taught grades 5-7 and served as the administrator. Bill was soon offered a position with the Mississippi Air National Guard, and the Chaney’s made their last move to Pearl, MS, where Louise taught first grade for over 37 years. She had a brief respite teaching ninth grade and coaching the cheerleading squad. She was always willing to go where she was most needed. She influenced many lives, with many of her former students now serving in leadership positions in politics, business, and entertainment. Even though one of her students, Lee Ann Rhymes, stays quite busy in Hollywood, she always took time to contact her first grade teacher.

Louise and her husband Bill loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and were charter members of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, MS. They attended and served this church as long as their health permitted. She most enjoyed teaching Sunday School and working in VBS. She decided an interactive way to learn books of the Bible was needed, so she handmade wooden blocks with the books of the Bible on them to facilitate learning. She was very artistic and had the skills of a professional seamstress in addition to her teaching expertise.

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill, her parents George and Sallye Cleveland Smith and her sister Dorothy Smith Rainer. She leaves her two precious daughters, Vickie Chaney Waggoner (Danny) Pearl; Nahna Chaney Stovall (Toby) Brandon; and three granddaughters who have brought her so much joy: Tiffany Waggoner McClain (Matt) Hattiesburg, MS, Danna Stovall Medina (Dakota) Brandon, Hannah Stovall, Brandon; and two great grandsons who have brought her much pride: Dylan McClain and Harrison McClain of Hattiesburg, MS; one sister Carolyn Haas (Bill) of Brandon; four nephews Ron Rainer (Debby) of Huntsville, AL, Terry Rainer (Velma) of Union, MS, Warren Haas (Emily) and William Haas (Jan) both of Brandon, MS and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Jennifer Rine, who so lovingly assisted in caring for Louise the past few months and the nurses and doctors and UMMC who cared for her the last week of her life. We also want to thank our friends and family who have lifted us in prayer during this difficult time.

Arrangements will be at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 5pm-8pm at Ott & Lee. Funeral Services will be at 10:00am, Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Ott & Lee. Interment will be at Floral Hills Cemetery in Pearl, MS.

Memorials may be made to: McLaurin Heights Baptist Church General Fund at 404 Pemberton Dr. Pearl, MS 39208.