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Selena Marie Palmer Chapple (Tena) passed from this life on the morning of May 3, 2023, in her home surrounded by family. She was born May 18, 1940 in Galveston, Texas to William (Will) and Alma Jones Palmer. To that union two additional children were born: George (deceased) and Clarence. Will later married Ella Mae Williams who was a much-loved and cherished mother. The Palmer family moved to Dickinson, Texas in 1948. Selena was educated at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, graduating with the class of 1958. Selena later married and remained a life-long resident of Dickinson. She began her employment career as a housekeeper for several prominent families in League City, Texas. Being motivated to advance her economic status, Selena trained for and secured a job with General Telephone and Electronics Corporation (GTE, which later became Verizon) as a switchboard operator. She was a dedicated employee. Receiving numerous awards and recognitions for excellent performance, she advanced to become a top salesperson of “cutting-edge” products like voicemail and caller ID. After her retirement in 2000, as a Verizon Business Accounts Representative, Selena worked for several years in the insurance business. She was employed by American General Insurance Company and had customers throughout Galveston County. All of her customers benefitted from her diligent efforts to acquire and guarantee coverage for them and their loved ones. At an early age, Selena joined and was baptized at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, under the pastorship of Reverend James A. Wren. She faithfully served in many areas of ministry there, including Sunday School, Senior Mission, Choir, Youth Department, and Nursing Home Visitation. Selena continued her service in the work of the Lord after she united with Victorious Living Christian Center (VLCC) formerly Agape Christian Center, in League City. She was a charter member of this church, founded by Wilson D. Douglas, III in 1986. Two of Selena’s greatest joys were serving as a Sunday School teacher and visiting residents in nursing homes. She was a firm, yet fun, Sunday School teacher. Her heart’s desire was for the children to develop a personal relationship with the Lord. Selena truly loved God and she wanted everyone to know and love Him, too. She could be found reading and meditating on the Word of God every day. Selena would share her devotionals with anyone who had the desire to listen. She had even begun writing specific prayers for her family, especially for her children and her grandchildren. Prior to her illness, Selena was an active member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF); a well- renowned in-depth study group. She devoted a lot of time to the community of Dickinson, especially encouraging people to know Jesus Christ as their Savior; reading to young students in school; supporting and donating to community activities benefiting children and the elderly; fellowshipping with neighborhood churches and many other civic and religious causes. Anybody could get a meal, dessert and a drink at, what one of her nephews called, “Selena’s Backstreet Cafe”. Selena believed that everybody should always have food to eat. Selena is preceded in death by: her parents, grandparents (including Selena Jones after whom she was named), brothers, George, Donald and Johnny; sister, Billie Hayes; uncle, Nathaniel Jones; aunts Velma and Beatrice Jones; daughter, Toni; several nieces and a nephew. She leaves behind to treasure her memories: her children; Anthony (Dennis), Valerie (Alton), Vicky and Charles; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Clarence, Freddie (Rose), Shirley Shaw (Robert), Ella and Wanda; nieces, nephews, cousins, her VLCC family and many, many friends.

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Selena Palmer Chapple

May 18, 1940 - May 3, 2023