Amy Chestnut

Obituary July 1932 began as an ordinary month in Snow Hill, Alabama. It became extraordinary when God blessed the union of Rev. Isaac and Mrs. Jessie Ruth Yelder with a beautiful daughter, Amy Augusta on July 19th. Amazingly, on December 19, 2020 God whispered “It’s Time My Child” and brought her home to live eternally with Him. Born into a family that had intense love for the Lord Jesus Christ, Amy answered the call to serve and began her spiritual journey at a very early age and joined Mount Mariah Baptist Church. Constantly on the heels of her mother and grandmother as they served the Snow Hill Community, Amy learned the beauty of loving God through service to His people. Educated at the infamous Snow Hill Institute, Amy was known as a “Real Smart Girl” who was a constant on the school’s honor roll and helped her fellow classmates with difficult lessons. At a church revival service, she met the love of her life, Mr. Willie Henry Chestnut. The handsome young man courted her seriously and claimed her heart as he rode his “sharp” Harley Davidson Motorcycle to her front door until she said “Yes, I’ll Marry You!” Through 38 years of marriage, they raised 11 children and a grandson as their own. Known throughout their community and surrounding areas as God fearing, hardworking and great parents, Willie and Amy instilled those same values in their children. After marriage she joined E.B. Countyline Baptist Church where she served as Church Secretary, Superintendent of Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, a Deacon’s Wife, a Church Mother and took care of whatever the church needed. She was Secretary for the East Hope District Women’s Convention, a member of The Willing Workers, The Home Mission, An Eastern Star and Mistress of Order and Guest Speaker for too many church and social events to mention. Very engaged in her children’s lives, Amy served as PTA Secretary of E.M. Brown High School and was called “the best secretary he ever had” by Principal William Moultrie. After their youngest started school, Amy decided she needed to broaden her horizons and joined the work force at Dan River Mills where she worked as a machine operator for many years. Dubbed the “Community Social Worker” by her grandson Micah, Amy was a woman of great action! She was constantly taking people to the doctor, shopping for their groceries, cooking and delivering meals, helping them to handle business affairs and was not shy about making sure they were treated fairly in all of their interactions. When she took time for herself, Amy immersed herself in the fine art of quilting. Attention to detail was her specialty and the fine stitches in her numerous quilts that are still covering beds today are a testament to her work. She also enjoyed cooking and was legendary for her teacakes, cakes, pies and fried chicken! Preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Amy leaves to cherish her rich memory 11 children – George (Gwen) Chestnut, Henry (Shirley) Chestnut, Barbara (Clarence) Rivers, Dorothy (James) Jackson, Vivian (Bernard) Morton, Brenda (Raymond) Boyland, Sharon (Barry) Moorer, Jessie Chestnut, Delores (Anthony) Moss, Mary (Nathaniel) Holloway and Marcus (Natalie) Chestnut; 3 brothers – George (Clemmie) Yelder, Isaac (Brenda) Yelder and John Henry Yelder; Sister-in-Laws Mary Bonner, Wanda Chestnut, and Josephine Dortch. Amy’s grandchildren brought her intense joy and their memories of her pancakes, hot chocolate and occasional spankings are mentioned at nearly every family gathering. Enjoying time with her, she will be missed by Herman, Delores (Steven), Nikita, Damien, Crystal, Erica, Eric, Kelvin, Neah, Sharon (Chris), Micah (Qontae), Maya, Michael, Courtland (Amber), Julian, Perrin, Ivy, Jordan, Jonathan, Quincy, Ivan and Gavin. She was blessed to be great grandmother to Johnny, Sam, Jason, Julian, Ariana, Ivan, Alexander, Damien Jr., Christopher Jr., Jaylen, Caiden and Miles. In addition, she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who enjoyed her great company.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Amy Chestnut, please visit our Tree Store.