Rena Corley Chamblee

Rena Sue Blackwell Corley Chamblee, age 80, passed away on January 19, 2023.  She was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Bernice Cole Blackwell, and her husband, Dale Corley. She is survived by her husband, Charles Chamblee; her children, Phillip Corley (Isabel) and Susie Walker (Ben); her step-children, Teresa Shufflebarger (Bob) and Charles Chamblee, Jr.; and her grandchildren, Chamblee Shufflebarger, John Corley, Margaret Shufflebarger, Will Chamblee, Beck Corley, Jonathan Chamblee, Sam Corley, Anne McKinley Walker, and Gracie Walker.

Rena was born on February 7, 1942, in the mining town of Praco, Walker County, Alabama, and was always proud to be a coal miner’s daughter. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1959 and Samford University in 1963. She met her husband, Dale Corley, at Samford, and they were happily married from 1963 until his death in 1989.

Rena met her husband, Charles Chamblee, through lifelong mutual friends at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. They were married in 1993 and had a wonderful marriage blessed with family, grandchildren, and friends. Rena was active in many social organizations including her Ladies Book Club, Vestavia Country Club, the Samford Legacy League, Civiettes, and the Arlington Historical Society. She loved to read, spend time with family and friends, travel, and go to the beach.

Rena was kind, graceful, and strong. For many years, she taught elementary school. Her favorite job was taking care of her family and friends. She found great satisfaction and joy in caring for others. She loved her church and friends dearly. She was a delight to be with and will be greatly missed.

She was an active member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church where she served in many capacities, but especially through the music ministry and Sanctuary Choir. Although Alzheimer’s disease limited the last few years of her life in many ways, her joyful spirit and dignity remained evident. As a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, she lived with hope and assurance that she will spend eternity with her Lord and Savior. Special thanks go to her many caregivers, especially her devoted and loving husband Charles, Renee Dukes, Carolyn Bolden, Lipford Home Care, and Affinity Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 11:00 A.M., with a reception to follow. Donations may be directed to the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Music Ministry.