Sarah Reynolds Chaney

Sunrise: March 16, 1923 Sunset: Oct. 16, 2011

Born in Hempstead, Texas in 1923, Sarah was the 9th of 11 children. Born during a time when a family could live off the land, the Reynolds children were taught to work hard and contribute to the community. Sarah took this lesson seriously.

At 16 she was sent to spend her summer break with her older brother Phil, who was working in Decker’s Prairie. While there she met a neighborhood boy, Elex. They were immediately taken with each other, spending most of their free time together. When the summer was ending Sarah adamantly told Phil that she was not going home, she needed to be in Decker’s Prairie because the sun would not rise if she couldn’t see Elex every day. Unfortunately her mother, Ellen, overruled, and Sarah was sent back to Hempstead to finish school.

In the late 30’s not many African Americans owned cars but Elex was in love and determined. He made his way to Hempstead to see Sarah as often as he could. She graduated from Hempstead High in the class of 1939 and married Elex in January of 1940 on the minister’s front porch.

They enjoyed marital bliss and were building a life together but the world had other plans. World War II was under way. The Chaneys increased their family with a daughter, Clementene, in April of 1942. But Elex was inducted into the Army on December 1, 1942 and Sarah was left with family and friends to raise their daughter.

Upon Elex’s discharge on Christmas Day 1945 the young couple and their child moved to Houston to begin a new life. They rented a house until he built them a home. Neither was a stranger to hard work. They were both employed by the Pabst family for over 20, working and raising their family.

In 1957 they decided to send Sarah back to school at Prairie View A&M, where she took class in sewing. She turned that Sewing degree into a business. Sarah ran her own seamstress business, specializing in weddings, until she retired in 1991. To her credit, some of her customers just wouldn’t let her retire, several of them decided to make the drive from Houston to Magnolia. In 1998 the stress on her eyes demanded that she retire for good.

The Chaneys enjoyed each other and their retirement. There were good days and bad days. Fat years and lean years, but together they weathered the storm. Those around them always felt the love they shared and the love they passed on to others.

Her love of Christ is evident by a membership of over 20 years at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.

After leaving the Pabst families employ more than 40 years earlier, Sarah remained friends with their daughter Rachel.

Elex and Sarah were preceded in death by their daughter in 1995.

In 2007 Pete succumbed to cancer and Sarah was without him for the first time in 66 years. Life would never make sense again.

Sunday, October 15, 2011 Sarah went to take a nap but the Lord needed her at His side and she answered His call. She is at peace with her Heavenly Father, her husband and her daughter.

Those she touched will dearly miss her. She was always ready with a smile and a hug, always looking to uplift someone. Once she touched someone, they stayed close.

They left a lasting impression that will go on for generations. Sarah leaves to mourn: her granddaughters – De’Audra Whiting, Cleona Love and Deborah Reynolds. Her great-grandchildren - Elric Love, Breanna Love and Terrial Fields. She is survived by her one remaining sister – Louise Reynolds.

She will forever be missed by a host of friends and extended family.