Dr. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney

Dr. Lafayette Fernandez Chaney, Sr. made his blessed and grand entrance into the world on March 27, 1917. He was born the second child out of three in Waco, Texas to proud and loving parents, Adell and Tom W. Chaney. He was educated in the public schools of Waco and Le Vega Independent School District. He graduated from Moore High School in Waco, Texas. Dr. Chaney received both his Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Divinity Degrees from Paul Quinn College. He received his Master of Arts Degree from Texas Southern University and studied in the doctorate program at Baylor University from 1968 to 1975. In August 1982, he received his Doctorate Degree in Higher Education from Texas Southern University. He taught mathematics and science at Moore High School in Waco, Texas for twelve years and was principal of Oakwood Elementary School in Waco, Texas for eleven years. From 1972 to 1986, he taught mathematics and psychology at Waltrip Senior High School in Houston. During the same period, he was an adjunct professor of mathematics and psychology for Houston Community College. Dr. Chaney's professional memberships and honors include: past president of Waco Classroom Teachers Association, Waco Administrators Association and the Central Texas District Teachers Association. In 1965, he was nominated for "Who's Who" amongst professional men in Texas. He was a member of of the American Association of University Professors, Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternities. Dr. Chaney was pastor of the following churches: Little Tehuacana Baptist Church in rural Waco, Texas; Sweethome Baptist Church in Mexia, Texas; First Baptist Church in Thornton, Texas; Second Baptist Church in Itasca, Texas, Shiloh Baptist Church in Madisonville, Texas and served as Senior Pastor for 5o plus years at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He served in the following positions: Senior Advisor of the Youth Convention of the General Baptist Convention of Texas, Teacher of the Youth Department of the National Baptist Convention of America, Director of the Ushers and Nurses of the Independent General Association of Texas, member of the Evangelical Board of the General Baptist Convention of Texas and President of Union Bible College in Houston. His crowning glory was to complete his life as Senior Pastor of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. During his pastorage, he successfully held the congregation together during their homeless years from May 25, 2003 through September 2, 2007, while the new church current location was being constructed. He also made history by appointing the first female minister at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church; Evangelist LaSandra Easter. Dr. Chaney was well qualified to his calling both religiously and academically. He was an outstanding leader and has influenced the lives of many through his teachings. Under his leadership, Damascus Missionary Baptist Church has grown spiritually and financially. On Friday, February 28, 2014, God requested the presence of our beloved Dr. Lafayette F. Chaney, Sr and he departed this life at 9:30am. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years; Vera Eddie Snelgro-Chaney, his parents; Tom W. Chaney and Adell Chaney-Edwards, his brothers; Alonzo Chaney and Jobie Edwards, his sisters; Theresa Chaney-Crawford, Dorothy Edwards-Givens and Willie Jean Edwards. He leaves a lifetime of love and memories with his devoted son, Lafayette "Bobby" Fernandez Chaney, Jr.; his daughter in law, Ila Janet Warren-Chaney; his grandson, Lafayette "LJ" James Chaney; his brother, Bob W. Edwards; his devoted sister in laws, Dorsia Snelgro-Cook, Virginia Snelgro-Barrett, Lillian Snelgro-Hill and Roxie Snelgro-Pierce; his brother in laws, Burl Barrett and Girland Snelgro; his devoted niece, Dorothy Sue Givens-Perkins; his nephew, J. L. Crawford (Linda); one surviving cousin, Leo Vivian Chaney; and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.