Eunice F. Chambless

Eunice Frazier Chambless, 99, of Abilene, passed peacefully to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Abilene. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at First Baptist Church Chapel, 1333 North 3rd St., in Abilene, Texas. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 pm in the Aspermont Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Eunice was born on January 2, 1920 in Sagerton, Texas to the late Warren and Pearl (Webb) Frazier. She was married to the late Carroll Jack Chambless on July 16, 1946 in Aspermont, Texas. Eunice had a heart for serving the Lord, the former beautician and ranchwoman virtually dedicated her life to missions, calling it her first love. Eunice and her late husband Jack were active in mission work for 28 years in Red River, New Mexico and served with the New Mexico National Ski Patrol. Eunice was a volunteer for 20 years for the Mission Service Corps. She served on several boards of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and as the Assistant Director at Abilene Baptist Social Ministries. Eunice was instrumental in making the Abilene Baptist Association Social Ministries center a reality. She was the Director of the Missions Development Council of the Abilene Baptist Association and active in the Criminal Justice Ministry. Eunice was instrumental in the development of the Hospitality House for the Robertson and John Middleton Prisons which was named the "Eunice Chambless Hospitality House" in her honor. She went on to serve on the Board established to build a chapel for the prison. She went on more than a dozen mission trips as a volunteer both home and abroad including China, Australia, Germany, Russia, South America and Europe. Eunice served on the board for the State Missions Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, as the director of the Abilene Baptist Association's Women's Missionary Union as well as a member of the State Executive Board. She served on several committees and clubs including the Women's Club and Clyde Study Club. She was a Trustee at Hendrick Medical Center when Mesa Springs was built and served two years as Chairperson for the Mesa Springs Committee. Eunice served on the Board of Hope Haven, served as a Chaplain in Eastern Star and volunteered each Thanksgiving and Christmas for 25 years, serving food for the Salvation Army. Eunice was a Deacon at First Baptist Church, a member of the President's Club to provide scholarships at Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and served on the development board of Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. She was the first recipient of the Texas Cowgirl Award given by the Texas Baptist Missions for her support of the Cowboy Church movement. In recognition of her leadership and service in following God's call, Eunice was awarded "Baptist Layperson of the Year" in 1988 by the Abilene Baptist Association and in 1995, awarded the prestigious "Pathfinders Award" in the field of religion, honoring women who have been first in their respective fields of endeavor and have made significant contributions to society. She had a very strong love for her family and enjoyed gardening, reading, baking and white-water rafting. Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll Jack Chambless, her parents, Warren and Pearl Frazier, two sisters and four brothers. Survivors include her sister, Afton Ponder of Hamlin, Texas: several nieces and nephews. Also, the Tommy and Donna Broyles Family for years of love, care and kindness. Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Abbott, Tommy Abbott, Mike Hinze, Scott Ponder, C.J Frazier and Joe Frush. The family wishes to thank Addy and her staff at Southern Meadows and Hospice of the Big Country for their wonderful love and care. Memorials may be made to the Eunice Chambless Hospitality House, 13378 FM 3522, Abilene, Texas 79601.