Maybelle Chambliss

Maybelle Chambliss, affectionately known by all as "Granny," passed away peacefully due to natural causes on April 21, 2025, at the age of 91 in Cleveland, OH. Born on March 20, 1934, in Carlton, GA, Maybelle was a beacon of light and a pillar of strength to her family, friends, and community.  

As a teenager, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio with her family and was baptized at an early age.  She was an active member in church, a singer that was part of the gospel music scene where she met and married her only love Charles Chambliss Jr. (preceded her in death) who was a member/mgr of the gospel recording group The Sensational Saints. From that union 4 daughters were born, Deneice, Deborah, Lolita and Loretta.

Maybelle was a graduate of John Adams High School and later attended Moody Bible Institute, where she deepened her lifelong commitment to spiritual education and service. She spent her professional career at Sprayon Industries and later contributed significantly to the Cleveland Public School System, touching the lives of many with her dedication and care.

Maybelle's life was a testament to her loving nature, faith-filled spirit, and selfless dedication. She served as a deaconess, church greeter and was an esteemed member of the mother board at her church. Her passion for providing spiritual support and guidance was evident in her everyday actions and the warmth she extended to everyone she met.

In her personal life, Maybelle enjoyed a variety of interests that enriched her and those around her. She was an avid shopper/fashionista, a skilled cook (especially any type of cobbler), and relished the opportunity to travel. She enjoyed cookouts/holidays with her family/friends. She especially enjoyed helping raise her nieces, nephew and her many grandchildren. She provided shelter to family/friends when in need. Never closing her door to anyone who needed a helping hand. She was a mother figure to her daughter's friends during their formative years and beyond. Her daily reading, especially of the Bible, was a source of comfort and inspiration, both for her and those she shared her insights with.

Maybelle's family was the centerpiece of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Emma Smith-Clark, only sister Maggie Fleming, only brother Edward Clark, her daughter Deborah Chambliss, and her grandson Charles H. Watson III. She is survived by her daughters Deneice Chambliss, Lolita Chambliss, and Loretta Bland (Darren); her grandchildren Rashida Chambliss-Tipper (Kevin), Iyonna Chambliss, Carleo Davidson, Tshombe Chambliss, Chanik Chambliss, Nemiah Deadwyler, Robert Chambliss Jr., Tashona Chambliss, Raymond Hollis Jr., Jeron Hollis and Tashona Chambliss; and her great-grandchildren Dazhane, Kaleb, Robert III, Tshombe Jr., Tajay, Manndale, Ajah, Janise, Josiah, Ryker, Reina, Summer, Alyssa, Deontae, and Deshanay, and a whole host of family/friends. She was also blessed to be a great-great-grandmother, a role she cherished deeply.

Maybelle Chambliss lived by the words of Mother Teresa: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of Maybelle's life – a series of small, loving gestures that together created an extraordinary legacy of kindness and devotion.

Granny's passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her spirit and the memories she created will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. Maybelle Chambliss's story is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a commitment to the well-being of others. Her life was a journey of giving, and she will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

As we say farewell to a remarkable woman, we celebrate the immeasurable impact she had on her family, friends, and community. Maybelle Chambliss's life was a beautiful reflection of the virtues she held dear, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Granny – your love will guide us always!

Special appreciation to Catherine Benton, Marcia Young, and Barbara Holmes for their special care and love for our mom during times of need.

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