Fonsba Naomi Chamblee

Fonsba Naomi Chamblee, 94, of Longview passed away Feb. 21, 2022, at her granddaughter’s home in Castle Rock.

She was born March 15, 1927, in Clayton, Ga., to Meade and Pheriba (Miller) Kell. On Sept. 22, 1942, she married Horace J. Chamblee. They moved to the local area from Georgia in 1958. Horace passed away in 1985. She later married Dick Chastain.

Fonsba worked for Longbell (International Paper), the Fran & Paul Restaurant, and made coats for Sports Caster. Fonsba proudly received her GED in order to work as a custodian for the Longview School District, retiring in her 80s.

She was positive, loving and had a great outlook on life. Fonsba was always smiling and had deep religious roots. She was an active member of the Church of God for many years where she often played the guitar and sang. Fonsba was deeply respected.

Fonsba enjoyed traveling, including trips to the East Coast, making quilts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and working on her house. Dick taught her how to build the rock walls in front of their home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and preparing huge family dinners. Everyone was invited to savor her Southern cooking.

Surviving her are a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Kathe Chamblee of Longview; a daughter-in-law, Enid Chamblee of Longview; four stepchildren, Dickie Chastain (Juanita) in North Carolina, Eddie Chastain (Cyndi) of Bothell, Wash., and Lishea Chastain and Vickie York (Felix), both in Georgia; a brother, Porter Kell of Longview; six grandchildren, Tracy Chamblee and Jeff Chamblee, both of Longview, Carrie Lynn DeSpain (Chris) of Castle Rock, Robert Chamblee (Pam) of Ridgefield, Wash., James Chamblee (Michelle) of Rainier, Ore., and David Chamblee (Jennifer) of Kelso; a stepgrandson, Adam McCoy in Georgia; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Fonsba was preceded in death by her spouses, Horace and Dick; five brothers, Donald, Granville, Albert, Milford and Walter Kell; two sisters, Mozell Mason and Mary Terrel; a son, Dale H. Chamblee; and two great-great-grandchildren, Destany and Ronnie Johns.

A celebration of Fonsba’s life is planned from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 20 in the Kelso Elks Banquet Room with a light luncheon. Pastor Marcus Truesdale will officiate.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Steele Chapel. Fonsba will be laid to rest next to Horace at Longview Memorial Park.