Obituary of Annette Chambers

Annette Chambers, daughter of Hattie Mae Flowers and the late President Carlisle, Sr was born on February 14, 1940, in Brundidge, Alabama. Annette was baptized at age five where she became a member of the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church where she sold hot dogs to raise money to buy the church their first pulpit Bible. Annette attended Pike County Training School from 1946 to 1956, then transferred to Enterprise High School located in Coffee County until she graduated in 1958. Shortly thereafter, Annette relocated to New Jersey to live with her grandmother- Ada Griffin (deceased), her two aunts- Nina Mae Griffin and Sarah Turner, and her sister-cousin-Ann Williams where they promised to take care of each other. After her relocation to Newark, she united with the Paradise Baptist Church under her Christian experience and where Reverend Frank Hardwick was pastor. Annette served as the Sunday school secretary and knew her way around the kitchen quite well. After Rev. Hardwick’s death Annette decided to unite with Canaan Baptist Church and became a member of the Deaconess Ministry under the leadership of Rev. Michael L Fisher. Annette became involved in many church ministries to include being Chairwoman of the Women’s Day Committee, serving on the Food Pantry Board and the kitchen committee. While living in New Jersey, Annette worked at Ambassador Silverware located on Pulaski Street in Newark. During her children’s early school years, she also served as a school/teacher aide at Belmont Runyon Elementary School. In 1976, she became employed at Evans-Aristocrat Industries located on Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark until a better job opportunity came along. A few years later, Annette obtained a lead position at Beauty Sciences where she was responsible for not only making cosmetics, but ensuring quality lipstick and makeup products were ready for shipment and distribution to major companies such as Revlon, Cover Girl and Max Factor. After company relocated overseas, Annette sought a different line of work at Babyland, Inc. in Newark, NJ as a caregiver of children awaiting adoption/foster home placement. This seemed like the perfect calling for her because she had a constant love for children, encouraging words of wisdom and a nurturing heart. Annette always exhibited that motherly or grandmotherly loving spirit. Her beautiful smile and caring spirit always made one feel comfortable and welcomed. She touched many lives and will truly be missed by all. In May 1998, Annette married Clifton Chambers. They both loved spending time with family and friends whether near or far and serving their community. Also, her favorite past-time was sewing blankets and making quilts by hand. In May 2015, Deacon and Deaconess Chambers decided to retire from Newark to Virginia where she did not lose faith. They both decided to unite with First Baptist Church of Manassas, Virginia. Unfortunately, in December 2018, her husband, Clifton Chambers of 20 years passed. After his death she had made up in her mind that she remained steadfast about her already established Christian fellowship with Canaan Baptist Church in Newark NJ and decided to return in June 2020. On August 31, 2020, the Lord called Annette Chambers home to her heavenly resting place. Annette was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Lee Chambers, father-President Carlisle, Sr, brother-President Carlisle, Jr, and son-Steve Williams. She leaves to cherish her memories: mother- Hattie Mae Flowers, Brundidge Ala; three sons- Carl Carlisle (Maude), Troy Ala, Darryl Parraway, Scotch Plains NJ, and Orlando Lee Williams (Shundolyn), Katy TX; two daughters- Robin Yolanda Bray, Gainesville VA and Wanda Lee Robertson, Newark NJ; four brothers- Thomas Flowers, Brundidge Ala; Andre Carlisle, Montgomery Ala. Donald and Milton Wilkerson, Helena Ala; sister- Lovie Hatcher, Detroit MI; two dear aunts- Nina Mae Griffin and Sarah Turner, both of Newark NJ; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other close relatives and dear friends.