August 22, 1933 - December 9, 2023
Elliot R. Chambers Sr. was born on August 22, 1933, in Prichard, Alabama to Collie and Blanche Chambers. He learned the value of hard work, education, and perseverance.
As the story is told, Elliot as a young man was walking down the hall at Bishop State Community College when a beautiful young lady noticed the bounce in his step and exclaimed to her friend “Wow! Who is that?” The beautiful young lady, Mildred was introduced t Elliot and from there continued a relationship which resulted in their marriage on January 15, 1956. From this marital union, three sons were born; Elliot Jr., Michael, an Gregory.
Dr. Chambers is preceded in death by his parents Collie and Blanche Chambers; sisters, Elouise and Doris; brothers, Osborn, Collie Jr., Oscar (Reverend) and James. Dr. Chambers is survived by his sons, Elliot Jr., Michael, and Gregory; his grandchildren, Mia and Kimathi; and great-granddaughter Dillon. Additionally, he is survived by his three sisters, Barabra, Beverly, and Sandra. He also leaves his dear friend, Mrs. Barbara Lee and her family.
Dr. Chambers leaves behind numerous relatives and friends, each to him “his favorite”. He leaves behind those who’ll surely miss his charm, wit, and wisdom.
As a young boy, “Ebb” as he was affectionately named, performed household chores like feeding the hogs and splitting firewood for the woodstove. Failure to meet these chore requirements was met with consequences! “If they hadn’t been fed, the hogs would squeal when my father got home.” he would say.
As a boy, Dr. Chambers shined shoes to earn money. As a young man Dr. Chambers worked with his grandfather George Sawyer, owner of Sawyer Mattress Company, one of two such companies in the area. After graduating from high school, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he became a radio and teletype operator, and eventually served in the North African nation of Morocco during the Korean Conflict.
Having completed his Air Force enlistment, young Dr. Chambers turned his attention to pursuing an educational degree. He graduated from Alabama State College in Montgomery with a degree in English and history in 1959. Working at Brookley Air Force Base as a civilian employee enabled him to be transferred to California where he worked as a computer operator. Later, he would make and attain new goals, such as earning a masters degree in school administration from Sacramento State in 1972 and a doctorate in education in community college administration in 1975.
During his 26 years at San Joaquin Delta College, Dr. Chambers taught courses in African American history as well as courses in computer science. As an administrator he led both the ethnic studies department as well as the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS).
Dr. Chambers was a member of Ebenezer AME Church for over 55 years. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Board of Stewards, Sunday School superintendent, and Sunday School teacher. He was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, a past president, treasurer, and founding member of the Stockton graduate chapter. He was a member of the National Association for The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He was a past president treasurer of the Spornine Men’s Club, He was alsoa former secretary/treasurer of Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC). Dr. Chambers created the Mildred Chambers Scholarship program which provides funding for aspiring college students.
Dr. Chambers liked to travel, especially to visit favorite cousins or friends. He would also attend class reunions and attend fraternity conventions. He liked to repair and create things. He always looked forward to his weekly meetings with his card playing friends. He was an excellent cook and showcased skills when he hosted friends and family for get togethers at his home.
One skill he developed while working with his grandfather was sewing. With this skill he produced beautiful graduation scarves using traditional African Kente cloth for Stockton high school graduates. He would alter articles of clothing for friends. He was especially proud of the banners he made for his church with inscriptions of “LOVE”, “PRAISE”, and “PEACE”, etc. He also made custom quilts using African Kente cloth and other materials that reflected the personality of the person for whom he was making the quilt. Dr. Chambers was featured in a book titled “Crafted Lives, Stories and Studies of African American Quilters” by Patricia A. Turner.
Dr. Elliot Chambers was a mentor, a role model, and confidant who led by example and did what he could to help those in need. He will be surely missed. Though he is gone from us, the memories of our time with him will forever remain. Let us rejoice as he goes to join his wife and his ancestors who preceded him.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm noon - 1:00pm on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Chambers family.
