Juanita Audell Chamberlin, longtime resident of Laramie, died February 3, 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she lived for the last two years.
She was born Juanita Audell Thorp on February 17, 1923 in Kankakee, Illinois to Reverend John and Orpah Thorp. She grew up in South Woodbury, Vermont and graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1946 with honors in Speech and English. She taught English, Drama and French in Newbury, Vermont from 1946 -1948 where she also sponsored Thespians, directed vocal music, coached the Girls’ Basketball Team and put out the yearbook.
On June 25, 1948 she married George H. Chamberlin in Barre, Vermont. After moving to Wyoming in 1952, Juanita taught Speech and English at Laramie High School. She then started her second career as a Beauty and Image Consultant where she worked for 43 years.
Juanita loved music and was the Youth Choir Director at the First Methodist Church. She was involved in many community activities including Laramie Women’s Club (Past President), United Methodist Women, Albany County Cancer Society (Past President), Ivinson Memorial Hospital Volunteer (35 years), Laramie Plains Museum docent (38 years), University Women’s Club, Military Wives Club, First National Bank Heritage Club, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Cheyenne Little Theater, and Toastmistress Club. She also served on the board of Wyoming Junior Miss for 13 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Donald Thorp, and youngest son Brent Chamberlin. Survivors include three children: Cheryl Chamberlin, Anchorage, AK; Kurt Chamberlin (Emily), Colorado Springs, CO; Marc Chamberlin (Jacqueline), Longmont, Co: two sisters – Eleanor Owen, Snohomish, WA; Ruby McNally, Roseville, CA. Three grandsons – Christian Chamberlin (Deni), Maple Valley, WA; David Chamberlin (Julie), Thornton, CO; Jeffrey Chamberlin (Bethaney), Las Vegas, NV, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb 13, at 1:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Laramie with Reverend Pete Phillips officiating. Visitation will be held before the service at 11:00 at the church. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church.
Casket bearers will be Stephen McNally, Christopher McNally, Kelly Owen, Christian Chamberlin, David Chamberlin, and Jeffrey Chamberlin.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 1215 Gibbon, Laramie WY, 82070, or the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center Helping Hands Fund, 255 N. 30th St., Laramie, WY, 82070.
Cheryl, What a beautiful photo of your dear mother! She was a lovely lady and so involved in her community. Now she can sing with the angels. Sending love and hugs.
I always loved your mom...such a sweet and gentle soul, yet a pillar of strength. Her faith in her God was evident, and often made a difference in me as I read her thoughtful notes throughout the years. Her beautiful handwriting was truly a work of art! My prayers will be with you all, Chamberlin family. While we grieve, she rejoices at being with her beloved George, son, Brent and many family members. Love you all!
Cheryl & family, You are in my thoughts and prayers today - wish I were there to give you a hug. Lots of love to you all today and the days to come. Jill
Cheryl, Kurt and Marc: I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She was my all-time favorite substitute teacher and just a thoughtful person who was always engaging, interested, and kind above everything else. My thoughts are with you as you celebrate her long life. Do make it a special effort to remember the times you shared with her as it is those times that do, indeed, become the moments to treasure.
My condolences to Cheryl and the entire Chamberlin family.
Kurt, Thinking of your Mother reminds me of how welcome she made us feel back in high school when we were over at your home. Always quick with a kind word and genuinely interested in our lives made her one of our favorite parents. Both you and yours are very fortunate to have parents like that for a lifetime. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Please accept my condolences to the family for your loss, soon, Jehovah God promise to remove the very enemy that affect all of us, Death, it will be removed forever - 1 Corinthians 15:26; Psalm 83:18.