Luvenie (Vinnie) Virginia Ferrell Chappell, 97, of Galax, passed to her heavenly home on March 4th 2025.

Vinnie was born in Carroll County Virginia on January 28 1928, to Elbert Lee Ferrell and Rhoda Surratt Ferrell, on a small farm without either electricity or running water.

Vinnie was married for over half a century to her beloved husband, Charles R. Chappell Sr., and had one son, Charles R. Chappell Jr. who she loved very much.

Luvenie graduated from Hiwassee College in 1947.  She was for many years a Clerk of the General District Court system in Hillsville and Galax, Virginia.  She was active in the United Methodist Church, Galax Business and Professional Women's Club.  She enjoyed travel, landscape painting, reading, and in her last years of life was able to realize her childhood dream of seeing the tulips in full bloom in the Netherlands, as well as visit her ancestral homeland of Ireland, and see where her father had worked as a sheep herder and railroad detective in Alaska.

She was always very cheerful and caring to others and loved birds and wildlife.  Her faith in God and Jesus Christ was always strong.

Vinnie is survived by her son, Charles R. Chappell Jr., Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Retired), her special godchildren Michael and Suzanne Wesolowski, god-grandchildren Victoria Wesolowski Hill and god-great-grandson Zach Hill, Christopher Wesolowski, and Jeffrey Wesolowski, and their families, consisting of many additional Wesolowski.  She is also survived by her long-time beloved friends Linda Burnette and Bonnie Harmon.  Also survived by many other related nieces and nephews from her own and her husband's families.  All are saddened by her departure from our physical lives, but happy that she is with her loved ones who have gone on before and her Lord and Savior in eternal joy and glory.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her sister Nancy Lee Ferrell.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 1:00 PM in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark McFadden officiating. Burial will follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 PM until time for the funeral service at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, those desiring can make contributions in her memory to the First United Methodist Church of Galax, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Disabled Veterans of America, National Park Foundation USO, or the Appalachian Children's Fund.