Faye Phennel Chase was born in Ringgold, Louisiana on April 29, 1924. She was the daughter of James Curtis Phennel and Fannie Lou Boley. She graduated from Ringgold High School and worked as a supervisor and instructor for the Southern Bell Telephone Company for five years.
She met her husband of sixty-two years, Russell Chase, when he was at Air Force Cadet training in Shreveport. After two years in which he flew missions overseas as a B-26 pilot, they married in April, 1945. When World War II was over, they moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, for Russ to complete his masters degree at Dartmouth College. She was elected Queen of the Dartmouth Winter Carnival during their first semester.
During his career with International Paper, they lived in New York City for several years, then in Westport, Connecticut, She served in the Westport Service League and enjoyed many years of golfing and bridge with friends.
In 1967, they moved to Beaumont, Texas, when Russ joined Eastex, Inc. Faye was an active member of P.E.O. for twenty-five years, and served as President of the CC Chapter twice. She served as President of the Parents Association at All Saints Episcopal School, where her fond memory was bringing the new McDonald’s as a lunch option to raise funds for teacher conferences. She and Russ were members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Day School Board and became its Chairman. She served as a Deacon for three years, then as an Elder for three years. She taught fifth grade Sunday School and enjoyed participating in her Women’s Circle and several Bible studies.
She was a devoted wife and mother and invested much love and time into her three children and seven grandchildren. She and Russ enjoyed many years of golfing with their friends at the Beaumont Country Club and the Rayburn Country Club, and spent many weekends boating with her children and their friends at Lake Sam Rayburn. She traveled extensively with Russ on business trips, and they took their children on many wonderful vacations. She loved to play bridge with her friends, and enjoyed her membership in an investment club.
She is survived by her sons, Russell and wife Terri of Houston and Doug of Beaumont; daughter, Susan and husband Brad Liles of Plano; grandchildren, Blake and Michael Chase of Houston, Andrew and Edward Chase of Beaumont, and Ashley, Mark and Matt Liles of Plano. Preceding her in death were her parents; and her sister, Lois Phennel Pruitt as well as her husband.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Thelma Alexander for her loving care and devotion to Faye.
Serving as pallbearers are Faye’s six grandsons. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church with entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2008 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaumont P.E.O. Chapter CC Scholarship Fund, 1875 Thomas Road, Beaumont, 77706.
Faye
