Jeraldine Finch Chenault

Jeraldine “Jerri” Finch Chenault (78) of Vancleave, Mississippi went to her heavenly home Wednesday, February 11, 2015 from a long-term illness. Jerri is singing once again. “I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” (Civilla Martin) Jerri was born September 21, 1936 in Jackson County. She always loved music and played in the Moss Point High School band beginning in just 4th grade. Her love of cars became evident when she gave up her horse, and at age fourteen, convinced her Daddy to buy her a car. She is well-known for her strong will, quick wit, and wicked sense of humor. She laughed, she laughed hard, and she laughed long. She was an athlete even into her senior years bowling and playing on her church softball team at age 54. Nothing was more special to “Meemaw” than to spend time and sing with family. She was a stay-at-home Mom and later manager of Roche Biomedical Lab in Pascagoula. Jerri was a gospel singer and shared her love of song with too many churches and friends to name. She supported thousands of Home of Grace graduates through song and with a recorded message to take home. Josh Barton said “Jerri is, second only to Bro. Bill, the most loved person ever by the men of Home of Grace.” To come in second behind his grandfather, Rev. Bill Barton, is a great honor. Rev. Barton made her promise to sing his special song, “Anchor Holds,” when it was time for both him and her to go home. She was chosen as Home of Grace Volunteer of the Year and an Honorary Graduate. The last time she sang in public was at Home of Grace graduation and everyone joined her in finishing the song. She shared music with a prison ministry and Stevens Center in Pascagoula. She opened a concert for Squire Parsons, author of a favorite song “Sweet Beulah Land.” She worshipped as a member of First Baptist Church of Vancleave and as past member of Wade Baptist Church and Parkway Baptist Church in Moss Point and was an active member in The Gideons International Auxiliary. Jerri was preceded in death by son, John Michael “Mike” Chenault; parents, Louis Samuel and Viola Maggie Finch (Sr.); brother and sister-in-law, Louis Samuel (Rose) Finch (Jr.); sister and brother-in-law, Viola Melvina (Charles) Brown (Sr.); and beloved niece, Margaret Lavern Brown Beckham. Jerri is survived by the love of her life, her best friend, her devoted caregiver, her husband of 58 years, John Eugene “Gene” Chenault, Vancleave; children, Shari Chenault (Bubba) Newman, Ocean Springs, Randy “KB” (Martha) Chenault, Vancleave, and Teresa Chenault (Ken) Brannan, Petal; grandchildren, Chaz Newman, Haley (David) Chatham (II) and Jonathan (Alyssa) Brannan, Ocean Springs; Cher Newman (Marcos) Griffin, St. Martin; Laney Chenault (Brock) Christian, George County ; Chase Chenault, Port St. Lucie; and Maggie and David Brannan, Petal; nine great-grandchildren (Hannah, Hayden, Delanie, Michael, Claire, Channing, Eden, Case and Graham) and a tenth on the way; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family gives special thanks to the compassionate staff at River Chase Village in Gautier for the loving care they gave Jerri and her family. We will celebrate Jerri’s life with family and friends at Holder Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point Saturday, February 14, 2015, visitation at 11:00 am and service at 2:00 pm with Dr. Don Boone, First Baptist Church of Vancleave, and long-time friend Rev. Bob Storie, Chaplain SRHS. Graveside service will follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula. Arrangments by Holder-Wells Funeral Home, of Moss Point, MS. (ppdd)

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Jeraldine Finch Chenault

September 21, 1936 - February 11, 2015