YVONNE T. CHATWELL’S OBITUARY
On July 4, 1938, Yvonne was born to Ebie Summers and Johnny Keys in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mother surrounded her with two older loving brothers , Walter Evans and Melvin Summers and her father gave her a younger loving sister, Jelean James she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Walter and sister Jelean.
Yvonne graduated from Rosati-Kain High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Harris Teacher’s College completed Post – Graduate Studies at University of Missouri- St. Louis and obtained a Master’s degree from Saint Louis University .
Her entire professional career was devoted to being an advocate for students. Yvonne taught elementary school, and middle school English classes in the University School District. She retired from the University City School District as a principal of Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School with many accomplishments. Under her leadership, test scores improved at Nathaniel Hawthorne School at every level. Her elementary school was the first in the district to have a full-time foreign language teacher and large number of her fifth grade students gained entry to the high level math program at the middle school. Additionally, she planned and implemented staff development workshops for the community and educational staffs of many schools.
Post retirement, Yvonne became an adjunct faculty member at Harris Stowe State University and worked as a supervisor of student teachers. She served as Past President of University City Education Association, Teacher Finalist of University School District, Past President of Harris Stowe State Alumni Association with a membership of over seven hundred (700). She was also the proud recipient of the Distinguish Alumni Award for Harris Stowe State College.
In addition to her career in education, she also became a real estate agent and broker, was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 50 years, a founder of Les Joviales, a charter member of the Archway (MO) Chapter of the Links, Inc., and an active member of The Moles.
In 1965, Yvonne married Frederick Taylor two years later this union brought forth her only child, Ingrid Taylor, MD. Yvonne divorced and married Farrell Chatwell on Dec. 24, 1988. Their loving union lasted until his death on Oct 19, 2017. She loved traveling with her family and friends traveling to Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, Canada, Idaho, Maine, a Navajo reservation in Arizona, Hawaii, Jamaica, Bahamas and many other places.
Yvonne departed this world on January 19, 2018. She will truly be missed but leaves a legacy of love and leadership. She leaves to mourn, her brother Melvin Summers, daughter, Ingrid Taylor, MD., stepchildren, LeJoyce Chatwell Lawton, Ed.D.( Billy), Darcell Chatwell Luke (Alfred) Farrell Chatwell Jr. (Dawana), step granddaughter, Joycelyn Luke, a host of nephews, and nieces, cousins, and long-time friends.
Funeral arrangements will be on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Wade Funeral Home Twin Chapel. Yvonne’s visitation will begin at 9 am and the funeral will start at 11am. The Family will departing at 12:30 pm for the burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you consider donations to Rosati-Kain High School in memory of Yvonne Taylor-Chatwell as these monies will be specific to recruiting and retaining of African American students.
