Minnie Vierra Chamberlain

Minnie Chamberlain, 91 went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 16, 2013. Born on January 28, 1922, Minnie was the 19th of 21 children born to Joe and Mary Vierra. She was a lifelong resident of Hanford. Minnie married the love of her life, Clarence Chamberlain on December 29, 1945.

Minnie was a very energetic and multi-talented woman. Once she set her mind to it, she could accomplish anything. During the time they were married, Minnie and Clarence owned only two homes, both of which they built with the skills of their own hands. Minnie took great pride in her garden. She built a fish pond, waterfall, and an ornate arched bridge to compliment it. Gardening remained a lifelong passion of hers.

Minnie learned to play a variety of musical instruments by ear, including piano, mandolin and harmonica. Later in life, Minnie decided she wanted to learn to paint. Her passion for art resulted in the creation of many beautiful paintings, which will be cherished by her family for a lifetime.

Ventriloquism was a unique talent of hers. She personally made "Alvin" and entertained three generations of children with him. The duo were even featured on a local TV station. At her 90th birthday party, Minnie and Alvin did a special performance for those in attendance.

One of her last accomplishments was the completion of a miniature Victorian doll house. Countless hours were meticulously spent creating the intricate detail displayed in every facet of the house. This house beautifully showcases the depths of her talent.

For the majority of her life, Minnie was a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed being with her family very much and loved doing projects, creating special adventures and memories with them. She was a child at heart and never ceased to laugh and have fun. Her famous motto when things went wrong was "who cares". If there was one word to describe Minnie, it would be creative. She and her creativity will be missed by her family and friends.

Minnie received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in June of 1971. She took great joy in assisting her daughter Barbara in teaching Sunday School to 1st through 4th graders at both Faith Baptist and Walnut Ave. Baptist Churches in Visalia, CA. She was last a member of Koinonia Christian Fellowship in Hanford, CA.

Minnie is survived by her last remaining sibling, Josephine (Josie) George of Idaho, son Kenneth Chamberlain and wife Beverly of Caruthers, and daughter Barbara Popejoy and husband Terry of Hanford. She also leaves five grandchildren: Jason (Amy) and Michael (Darla) Chamberlain, Sheri, Brian (Stacie) and Jeff Popejoy, as well as eight great-grandchildren: Holly, Luke, Madison, Gracelyn, Karlye, Shelby, Lexie and Aiden.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2013 at People's Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Free Holiness Church; 9303 S. Ormus, Raisin City, CA 93652. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Hanford Cemetery; 10500 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the charity of your choice.