Chanda Kellam

Chanda Elayne Acock Kellam, 97, died peacefully at home in Kerrville, Texas on May 21, 2023, surrounded by children and grandchildren. Chanda was born in Corsicana, Texas on June 23, 1925, to Ben Joe Acock and Alice Elsie Brown Acock. She is survived by her four children: Chanda Kay Kellam Dennison (Leroy), Cherise Louise Kellam Bartley (Rogers), Claire Ann Kellam Butts (Leon), and John Ray Kellam (Carolyn) her brother, Ben Earl Acock (Glendene), six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her husband, her sister, Elizabeth Acock Skinner, and her eldest grandchild. After graduating from Corsicana High School in 1943, Chanda met her future husband at church. Guy Converse Kellam of Worthington, Minnesota, was a cadet at Corsicana Air Field. When Guy was commissioned and sent to Europe for missions in WWII, the two postponed plans for marriage until after his return. With so many men gone to war, Chanda, a petite 5’2”, did her part for the war effort by driving a bus. By now a concert pianist, Chanda performed to successful acclaim throughout a tri-state area. She attended Hill College, where she graduated in 1945. Guy returned from the war a highly decorated pilot and they were married by Leroy Brownlow in Corsicana in 1945. After assignments stateside, Guy’s military assignments took the couple to Germany, Greece, and Japan. In Munich, despite, or perhaps because of the devastation of the area after the war, music was very important to the healing of the people. Chanda was in demand as a concert pianist. Securing a German piano teacher to advance her talent, she practiced up to six hours daily. Guy bought Chanda a grand piano built in 1904, which remains in her living room to this day. The young Christian couple opened their own home and pantry for church services. Not only Americans attended, but also hungry German soldiers, who were fed both physically and spiritually. Their first daughter, Kay, was born in Munich in 1947. While living in Athens, Greece and expecting a second child, Chanda flew to San Antonio to give birth to a native Texan, Cherise in 1950. In 1951, Claire was born in Michigan, followed by (finally!) a son, John, in 1953. While Guy flew missions in the Korean conflict, Chanda and the children lived in Corsicana. On his safe return, the family moved to Tachikawa, Japan. Chanda immersed herself and the family in the local culture, learning the arts of flower arranging, lettering, language, tea ceremony, and music. She worked diligently there both with the Church of Christ and with the Officers Wives on community projects. Guy retired from the Air Force in Delaware as a Colonel in 1965. Chanda, aged 46, returned to college and was awarded her bachelor’s degree with Cum Laude honors at Delaware State University. Chanda’s academic achievements, community involvement, and work ethic launched her into a position as the only female with Delaware’s State Department of Education. Guy and Chanda moved to Nashville in 1974, where Guy died in 1975. Chanda returned once again to Corsicana, caring for her mother, Alice Acock, for over twenty years. Utilizing her arranging skills, Chanda provided flowers for College Hill Church and later Westhill Church of Christ and for church members she visited weekly. She volunteered at Navarro Hospital for over 25 years. An avid bridge player, Chanda was a member at Kinslow house, where she donated the Hammond organ Guy bought her in Delaware. Always active in serving others, Chanda hosted innumerable showers and other events in her home. And…she traveled! Chanda took her mother abroad as well as throughout the states, visiting as many relatives as possible. Family was greatly significant to her. In 2005 Chanda moved to Weslaco, Texas, where she played bridge, visited nursing homes, hosted gatherings…and traveled. Chanda moved to Kerrville in 2018 with declining health. Still finding ways to serve others, Chanda began putting together small gifts to deliver to church members and to neighbors. Chanda never ceased to pray for others, especially for her family. She took pleasure in cooking with the assistance of her grandchildren. She enjoyed her nightly dances with Leon. She always welcomed and delighted in visits from family and friends. Chanda loved her family and her church. And…she loved to travel! Visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Saturday, May 27, 2023, with Memorial Service following at 2:00pm in the Chapel at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. A reception will follow at West Hill Church of Christ at 3400 W State Hwy 22 Corsicana, Tx 75110.

Chanda Kellam

June 23, 1925 - May 21, 2023