Oneida Ida Marie Chapple's Obituary
Oneida Ida Marie Chapple (Williams), affectionately known as "Nita" and "Woe:' was born on August 21, 1940, in Arna, Louisiana, to the late Joseph and Ellastine Williams. She entered eternal rest on June 23, 2026.
Oneida was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bethany Chapple; her parents, Joseph and Ellastine Williams; her daughter-in-law, Myrna Chapple; and her siblings, Denise Brown, Beverly Williams, and Joseph Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Curlie Chapple and Michael Chapple; her grandchildren, Alexandria, Nicole, Vanessa, and Xavier Chapple; her great-grandchildren, Mason and Mya Chapple; and her daughter-in-law, Maria Acevedo.
She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Janice Singleton, Floyd Williams, Keith Williams, Bobby Williams, and Perry Williams, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Oneida was a dedicated educator who was known and loved by many students and parents as Mrs. Chapple. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Hahnville, Louisiana. After marrying and raising her two children, she pursued her passion for education by attending Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University) in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she earned her degree in Education.
Her degree led to a distinguished career in the parochial school system as a fourth-grade teacher. As one of the first Black teachers in her school community, she recognized the absence of Black History education and took the initiative to create the first Black History program at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School in Bayonne, New Jersey. An avid reader and collector of works by Black authors, she shared her knowledge and passion with her students through educational programs, plays, arts and crafts, and meaningful lessons that celebrated Black history and culture. Her influence left a lasting impact on generations of students.
After decades of dedicated service in education, Oneida retired and relocated to Powder Springs, Georgia, with her husband in 2007. Remaining steadfast in her faith, she became a devoted member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Lithia Springs, Georgia, where she worshipped until illness limited her mobility.
Oneida cherished staying connected with family and friends through handwritten Christmas cards and thoughtful notes sent throughout the year. These gestures reflected her caring spirit and helped maintain lifelong friendships, especially with those in Bayonne, New Jersey, and beyond.
She also had a remarkable green thumb and instilled in her children an appreciation for gardening, teaching them the difference between a flower and a weed while nurturing beautiful gardens. Reading remained a lifelong passion, and she could often be found enjoying books, newspapers, and her favorite word-search puzzles.
Oneida's life was defined by faith, education, kindness, perseverance, and love. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a teacher, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Her life, love, and memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
As a family, we sincerely thank you for your prayers, love, support, and acts of kindness during this difficult time. Your thoughtfulness and compassion have been a source of comfort and strength, and we are deeply grateful for the many ways you have honored Oneida's life and memory.
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Describe a day with Oneida you’ll never forget.
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