Obituary of Gainell Chalmus

Gainell (Turner) Chalmus, age 83 went home to the Lord peacefully on October 25, 2021. Such a sweet soul that was loved by all. Everyone who knew her always said that she was the nicest person they ever met. She was kind, generous, thoughtful, and dependable. That legacy will live on in us as we reflect on her life and the profound effect she has had on us through these simple acts of love and kindness. Gainell was a loving wife, mother, niece, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. Gainell was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Elizabeth “Betty” Turner and the late James Morgan. Gainell was the only child of Betty Turner and began her education in the public school system of Philadelphia but when her mother Betty moved to Camden, NJ for employment, Gainell was enrolled in the Camden city public school system. She attended Hatch middle school and graduated from Camden High School where she was a cheerleader. Gainell would occasionally travel to the beach in Wildwood, NJ which is where she met her future husband, James Chalmus. Upon graduation from Camden High School, Gainell was employed at Bell Telephone Co. in Camden, NJ where she was one of a few black operators working the switchboard as well as working as a cashier at Lit Brothers department store in Philadelphia, Pa. Gainell married James Chalmus in 1958 and began her family in the Centerville section of Camden, NJ. She was very active in her children’s education including being an active member of the school PTA. She also, was very active in helping with the Girl Scouts and 4H club where her daughters were members. She made sure that she took great care of her husband throughout the years. “Ms. Gainell,” as she was affectionately known among the neighbors was always available to help anyone who was in need. She provided for her family in every way that she could. She was someone whom everyone could go to if they needed anything, be it a ride, loose change, or just a listening ear. Gainell was a stay-at-home mother when she started her family making sure that she was always there for her children, particularly her special needs child, Celeste, who she affectionately nicknamed Cookie. She made sure that Cookie was included in everything that she could so that she never felt left out. When her children grew older, Gainell took a job as the communications operator for West Jersey Hospital in Camden, NJ and later Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, NJ. She continued working until her health no longer allowed. She enjoyed her life which she devoted to her family. She was known to put the needs of others ahead of her own. She will forever andalways be loved and missed. She was preceded in death by her parents Betty Turner and James Morgan, and her aunts Juanita Turner and Gainell Turner of Connecticut. She is survived by her husband, James Chalmus, her five children James Chalmus, Edward Chalmus, Lynette Chalmus, Celeste Chalmus, Renee Donaldson (Lucius), her grandchildren Denee Cook (Charles) of Delaware, Maya Donaldson, Lauren Donaldson, great granddaughters Charlei Cook, and Dru Cook, brother-in-law Edward Chalmus (Diane), best friends Ms. Sandra Thomas of Camden, NJ, Mrs. Elouise Council of Camden, NJ, Mrs. Joan Henley of Pine Hill, NJ, a very special family friend, Mrs. Savannah Green of Willingboro, NJ, and a host of extended family and friends. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;