In loving memory of Maryann CHAMBERS
John Rapheal CHAMBERS
Willie F. SMITH, JR.
Joseph T. THOMAS, SR.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Prelude……………………………………………………...…………………..………………………………………………..Soft Music
Processional………………………………………………………………………………………Clergy, Family & Friends
“Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There”
Musical Selection………………………………………….………………………………………...……..Sonja Wrenwick
Scripture Reading………………………………………………….……………………….….Bishop Jerome Stephens
Old Testament
New Testament
Prayer…………………………………………………….…………………………………………….Bishop Jerome Stephens
Musical Selection………………………………………………………………………...……..Stephanie Washington
Remarks (Two Minutes Please)…………………………………….……………………………..Family and Friends
Musical Performance……………………..…………………………………..Demario Stephens & Troy Craig
Eulogy………………………………………………………………………………………………Geraldine Smith Arrington
Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………………...Willie A. Watkins Staff
Recessional……………………………………………………………………………………………...……...Dawanna Gurvin
Postlude
Maryann CHAMBERS
Maryann Chambers was born January 20, 1953 in Atlanta, Georgia as the eldest of 8 children. From an early age, Maryann carried the responsibility of being the big sister with strength, love and devotion to her family. She departed this life on February 5, 2026. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Willie Frank Smith, Sr., & Christine Hicks-Minor; children, Denise, Sonya and Ricky; brother, Willie Frank Smith, Sr., and husband, John Chambers.
Maryann loved the Lord and her family unconditionally and her love could be felt the moment she walked into a room. Her warm spirit, radiant smile and playful sense of humor had a way of lifting hearts and bringing people together.
Maryann found love and companionship in her husband, John Chambers. They built a life grounded in commitment, faith and devotion and shared a partnership rooted in respect, genuine friendship and finding comfort and laughter in each other’s presence. Mary Ann’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure and she will forever be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Maryann leaves to cherish precious memories, her son, Michael Smith; grandchildren, Amber Smith and Aja Ruffin; adopted great niece, Shantay Chambers; great-great nieces and nephews, Derriona, Deyonna, Nevaeh, Messiah and Noah; siblings, Gloria Billups, Rose McKibbins, Shirley Smith, Geraldine Smith Arrington, Fred Smith, Sr., Jerry Minor and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and friends.
John Rapheal CHAMBERS
John Rapheal Chambers was one born September 11, 1955 alongside his late twin brother Joseph Michael Chambers to Evangelist Minnie Juanita Chambers and the late William Chambers Jr. Many did not know that John and Joe were actually triplets but the third did not make it. In addition, John had four more siblings, William Barron Chambers, Curtis Randall Chambers, Christopher Chambers and Phyllis Anita Chambers.
John was a very kind spirited and helpful person to anyone he knew or did not know. He laughed at almost anything you would speak to him about and had words of wisdom for the more important matters. He had various jobs in life working at Shoney's as a teenager and in his adult life for Dekalb County Sanitation, The Crossing at Eastlake Rehabilitation Center and The Glenwood Health and Rehabilitation Center where he retired.
He and Mary Ann worked side by side at Glenwood Health until his health ailments did not allow him. Prior to Working at Glenwood Health, and over 30 years ago on December 10th, John R. Chambers and Mary Ann Smith married and kept a union that was inseparable. If John had a choice to attend several events that started on the same day and time, wherever Mary Ann wanted to be is where he wanted to be. This was even if it wasn't one of the choices. Together John and Mary Ann raised a son Michael A. Smith and a daughter Shantay Chambers. John and Mary Ann had a passion for music and helping people when they needed help the most. No matter if it was a place to stay, pep talks, or even financial help. John also had handy skills for building and repairing items around the house and fixing certain issues with cars. One thing that was strange about him was that, he would wrestle snakes and hit rats on the head but run from flying cockroaches.
Regardless of health ailments and throughout John's life, he always kept that passion for music and had a voice for it also. He learned a lot about music, including how to play the guitar from his late father. He was a member/performer of several bands. His very first band was a local music group here in Atlanta called 'Uranius -The Distant Star'. With 'The Distant Star' being John's personal touch on the group name. The group was made up of Singers Steve Hodo, Allen Pickens, Ricky Neal, Jack Green, Base Singer and John himself as Lead Singer. The band also included, Lee Tanner-Base Guitar, Ricky Roland-Lead Guitarist and Roy Wright-Drums. Together they would perform at local talent shows. They even made a special appearance and performed at the WAOK Road Show at Mosley Park decades ago. John would also sing for friends and family on special occasions. He would teach nieces, nephews and anyone that wanted to learn about the history of music, how to play a guitar, hold the proper vocal notes etc.
Speaking of holding notes, John, didn't just have a twin named Joe, but he also had a twin in the lead singer of the group 'Cameo'! When you asked him to "Hit that note" his response would be "OWW!" referencing the songs 'Word Up' and 'Candy' just to name a couple. His imitations of the lead singer were funny! Even Mary Ann would laugh at him and say "He thinks he is a superstar!" It was funny not because his imitations were wrong but because they were spot on!
In addition to Willie Frank Smith Jr. and Joseph T. Thomas Sr. (Pac-Man), John continues his union with Mary Ann and is survived by his mother, brothers, sister (listed above), son and daughter ( listed above) , grandchildren- Aja Ruffin, Amber Smith, Derriona Scott, Deyonna Chambers, Messiah Little, Nevaeh Little, Noah Little. Sisters in Law- Hazel Chambers, Angela Chambers, Sandy Davis. Brother in Law- Emanuel Weaver. NeicesLaveshiea, Balandria, Shanquese, Deshunar, Dejuia and Keyarra Chambers, Deja Newsome, Lakoya Mulholland, Godess Culbreath . Nephews- Curtis Chambers Jr., Sirnard Davis, Christopher A. Chambers, Deandre Newsome Jr and a host of other family members and friends. The love they had for family, friends, music and people in general will continue to live on through each and every one of us. To ALL, thank you for being such a special part of their lives!
Willie F. SMITH, JR.
Willie Frank Smith Jr. was born on May 27, 1955 in Decatur, GA to the late Willie Frank Smith Sr. and Christine Minor Hicks. He is the eldest son of five sisters and two brothers. He grew up on the Westside of Atlanta and in Scottdale, Georgia.
He attended Job Corps and earned his credentials as an electrician. Willie worked at Atlanta Food Processing, Sopha Mae, and in various job for Dekalb County. He retired and became a "busy body" and would do anything for anybody. (He just knew he was Superman). He was the "Jack of All Trades". Mr. Fix It! A Scholar of DIY (Do-It-Yourself). He enjoyed building things, gardening, caring for the neighbor's lawns, repairing electrical items, a heart for providing care and support for the elderly, and those in need of his skillset.
He always kept a smile on his face and showered people with compliments that brighten their day. He never met a stranger. He was boxer (yeah, y'all didn't know that), mechanic, and electrician. He was wonderful, loving, and goofy father who loved his family! His key chain that was found in his pocket read, "Be Brave" and He Was!
He is survived by his son Antoine Snelling and daughters, Tamara Thomas (Tam), Astra Lyons (Solo), Sidra Lyons (Ce-Ce), and Thakella Stephens and his siblings Rosalee McKibbins, Gloria Jean Billups, Fredrick Smith, Jerry Minor, Geraldine Smith Arrington, & Shirley Smith and seventeen grandchildren; an abundance of nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends, whom he loved dearly.
Joseph T. THOMAS, SR.
Joseph Torrez Thomas Sr "Pacman" was born April 27, 1982 in Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA to the late Ms. Virginia Thomas and Mr. Willie Frank Smith Jr. He was the youngest son out of six siblings. He gave his life for his family on the night of the February 4, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Aunt Mary Ann, and Uncle John
Man grew up on the East side of Atlanta; Eastlake Meadows, Rainbow Forrest and East Atlanta. He earned his GED while incarcerated and became the GED instructors to fellow students. In 2014, Joseph earned his degree in Diesel Mechanics at Atlanta Area Technical College. He worked as a chief at the Mercedes Benz Stadium and loved his job.
Family was everything to him. His son Joseph Torrez Thomas Jr "JT "also known as Clark Kent aka Superman (on the football field) and his brother Malcom Paul Yates his other son who were his biggest fans. He was a mischievous Little Brother, who thought that he was the Big Brother because he was taller! LOL! He was a man that was loyal, forgiving, loving, protective, a true diamond in the rough. He was a poet and a rapper (PC Supreme). As an Uncle, he loved and supported all his nieces & nephews.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his presence, baritone voice, radiant smile, and
He was a Beloved Son, Brother, Father, Uncle, Man will FOREVER be
He is survived by his sons Joseph Torrez Thomas Jr. and Malcolm Paul Yates, his brother and sisters, Antoino Snelling (Man), Tamara Thomas (Tam) Ce), and Thakella Stephens; sixteen nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends, all of whom will cherish his love and
Interment
Kennedy Memorial Gardens
2500 River Road, Ellenwood, Georgia
Flower Ladies
Family and Friends
Pallbearers
Family and Friends
Acknowledgements
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude the overwhelming support, prayers, tributes, donations, comforting messages, prepared meals and other expressions of kindness. We are sincerely thankful for every call, message, visit and kind gesture shared during this time of bereavement. The family
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Historic West End Chapel
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30310 404-758-1731
www.williewatkins.com
TheKEffect , Print & Design, (678) 732-5937
