Janice Gwendolyn Webb Chappelle was the first born child of Sgt. Major George and Mary Webb. She traveled extensively during her childhood, both statewide and abroad.


Born to a family rich in heritage of the Baptist religion, Janice was baptized at an early age at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. She attended Muscogee County Public Schools and graduated from the Historical W. H. Spencer High School.


Always community minded, Janice was a member of the Seniorettes Club, the National Honor Society and served as the school's morning announcer. She was a Cottillion Ball debutante and upon her graduation, Janice attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned a B.A. Degree with a major in English and true to her family tradition, a minor in Education. Following her graduation, Janice became an English teacher in Atlanta Public School system, working at Douglas High School.

In June of 1970, while home during the summer break, she met and fell in love with Reverend T. Oscar Chappelle, Jr., who was completing his final term of military duty at Fort Benning, Georgia. They were married two months later, August 15, 1970. Upon arriving in Oklahoma, Janice Webb Chappelle embraced her life as a Pastor's wife and educator. She furthered her education, earning her Master's of Education from Northeastern State University.


While Reverend Chappelle's career flourished, Sister Chappelle's spiritual life grew, she assumed more responsibility in the church. Janice served as a Choir member, Sunday school teacher, deaconess, member of the WMU and an instructor for the district congress.


As in everyone's life, there was adversity, Janice and Thomas suffered the loss of a daughter, Janna Elaine Chappelle, but God in turn blessed them with a devoted and loving son, Thomas Oscar Chappelle, III, better known as "Trey".


Janice Chappelle's gift for teaching remained steadfast, as she taught some 33 years in the Tulsa Public School system, retiring from Memorial High School, where she was chairman of the English Department. Following that retirement, she served as adjunct professor at Langston University. An educator by trade, but a pastor's wife by calling, she was always by her husband's side while traveling personally or on church business.


A gentle and loving woman, Janice Chappelle had an array of hobbies and interestes which included reading, working crossword puzzles, collecting angels and cook books and exercising with her class at Gilcrease Hills Association. Her devotion to her husband and family was manifest in her around the clock caring for her husband, Reverend Dr. T. Oscar Chappelle, Jr., who preceded her in death earlier this year.


After 65 wonderful seasons, Janice Gwendolyn Chappelle joined her loving husband of 37 years, her daughter, Jana Elain and her parents in Heaven.


Those who remain to wait on the Lord; her son, Thomas Oscar Chappelle, III; two sisters, Carol Davis [Charles]; Orlando, Florida and Catherine Green [Daniel], Columbus, Georgia; a grandson, Justin Webb Chappelle; brother-in-law, Carlos Chappelle; and a host of dear nieces, nephews and the Morning Star Baptist Church Family.

The Tribute will be on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. in the Morning Star Baptist Church. The Pastor, Reverend Herbert E. Edmondson, III will officiate and Dr. J. A. Reed, Jr., Senior Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, will deliver the Eulogy.

She will then be entombed with her husband at the Green Hill Mausoleum in Sapulpa.

You may visit Mrs. Chappelle, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 10 AM to 7 PM.