John Walker Chambers

John “Val” Walker Chambers passed away on October 20, 2022, at the age of 81, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s/dementia and congestive heart failure. John was born in Chester, PA on August 20, 1941, to Essie Mae (Newkirk) Chambers and John Henry Chambers. He was the baby of the family, and adored his older siblings Henry, Idas (Freddy), Howard, and Josephine. He was a proud mama’s boy.

John’s early life was defined by his dedication to the Civil Rights Movement, where he met his future wife, Molly (Pratt) Chambers. He was the President of the NAACP at Cheney State College and an active member of the Committee for Freedom Now in Chester, PA. He attended protests and sit-ins, led voter registration drives, and ran for County Committee along with Molly, in Chester.

In the first half of his career John was an educator. He was the Head Teacher of English at Northfield Mount Herman School in their Upward Bound Program. He taught Sociology at Westfield State College, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, Vermont Community College, the University of Massachusetts, Marlboro College, and the College of the Virgin Islands. In the second half of his career, he devoted himself to social work. For nearly ten years, he was a caseworker for the Department of Social Services in Northampton, MA, and was a counselor in St. Petersburg FL, amongst other positions. He was beloved by his students and the youth in his care.

In his heart, he was a student, first and always, who never stopped wanting to learn. John received his bachelor’s degree from Cheney State College, where he was also a guard and linebacker on the football team. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education/Social Science from Antioch-Putney College/Antioch University, and a MA in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts. He took graduate level courses at the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, and pursued a Doctorate in Sociology at Howard University. He ultimately completed all coursework toward his doctorate at The University of Massachusetts.

The house in Greenfield, MA where John and Molly raised their children was bursting with books; John’s thirst for knowledge was legendary and inspiring to everyone in his family. He could often be found reading the dictionary and encyclopedias in his spare time. He studied and wrote extensively on black history, sociology and philosophy.

John was honored to be a Mason, 33rd degree, and was the first Black Mason in Vermont. He was an active member of the All Souls Unitarian Church in Greenfield for years. He also coached his children on many youth sports teams.

John’s kindness was at superpower level—he could melt the iciest of hearts; he knew how to touch broken people, and always led with compliments and concern. Everyone loved him.

He was a dreamer and an optimist. He lit that same belly-fire in his children, nieces and nephews. He was hilarious and loved to laugh. He said, “Well hot dog!” when something made him happy. He loved romance movies, gardening, reading the newspaper, listening to jazz and old soul music. He was an incredible dancer. He wore the heck out of a suit and his trademark fedoras. He was easy to please; everything you cooked was the best thing he’d ever tasted, everything you gave him was the best gift he’d ever received. He was a protector, a warrior for his family. He will be deeply missed by all.

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Essie (Newkirk) Chambers; his daughter, Christine Jean Chambers; his sister, Josephine (Chambers) Monroe; brothers Henry, Idas, and Howard Chambers; nephews Howard and Frederick Chambers, and niece, Tina Monroe. He is survived by former wife, Molly Pratt Chambers of Greenfield, MA; daughter, Essie Jane Chambers of Brooklyn, NY; son, John Richardson Chambers of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Chandra Indigo Jackson of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter, Ava Maya Chambers; niece, Gail Seaton, who was like a daughter to him; nieces Liz (Chambers) Laws and Essie (Chambers) Spencer, nephews Conrad and Eric Chambers, and many great-grand nieces and nephews.

The family held a small private ceremony in Chester, PA on November 5, 2022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.josephgduffy.com for the Chambers family.