Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

“May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”

Mrs. Madrith Ross (“Shirley”) Chambers, 86, gained her heavenly wings on Monday, December 20, 2021.

Born October 23, 1935 in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Mary Marie and Pearl Burchey. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Chambers, 4 sisters, a brother and a grandson.

After graduating from Bluefield State College with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Madrith relocated to Washington, DC to serve as an Air Force Liaison at both Bolling Air Force Base and Walter Reed Army Hospital.

Upon her return back to West Virginia, Madrith was employed by the Social Security Administration in Beckley while continuing her education and earning a second degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. Having retired from Social Security after 25 years, Madrith knew that public service and being a driving force in the Beckley community would be the next and most rewarding chapter of her life.

In 1991, Madrith was elected to the City of Beckley's Common Council, where she served for 12 years. During her tenure on the Common Council, she was instrumental in accomplishing many major improvements for Ward 5, as well as other areas of the Beckley community. In her first two years as Councilwoman, she diligently worked to get the City of Beckley to annex the Red Brush community of East Beckley, providing families with fire and police protection, water, sewage, and door to-door-mail delivery, by getting the City of Beckley to pave the `red dog'' dirt roads throughout that section of the city. This was truly one of her most humanitarian and rewarding projects.

Her degree in Criminal Justice helped her work alongside the Beckley Police Department in multiple ways, including the implementation of diversity training in the department and establishing several satellite precincts throughout the city. Before she lost her eyesight, she was known to travel city streets at various times of the day and night and, when she deemed necessary, she would warn individuals that they had better be off the street before she returned. No one ever doubted her and out of utmost respect for her, the streets would be immediately cleared!

Madrith proactively coordinated and facilitated “Undoing Racism” training to various City personnel. The training developed sensitivity awareness in promoting fair housing and lending, health care and jobs for minorities. When entering the City of Beckley from the 1-77/64 interchange at Harper Road, travelers are greeted by a sign that states, “We Respect Diversity.'' The sign was posted by the City of Beckley at the request of Councilwoman Chambers.

Madrith was appointed to the Beckley Human Rights Commission, where she served as Chairwoman for 9 years. She also served as President of the Board of Directors for the Raleigh County Hospice Association, President of the Beckley Business and Professional Women’s Club, a Vice President for the Raleigh County Branch of the NAACP and a board member for the Beckley Community Housing Resource Board. She chaired the Mayor’s Committee on Disability Accessibility in which she helped bring the City of Beckley into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by meeting the mobility needs of individuals with disabilities. Intent on breaking through the glass ceiling, Madrith became the first Black member of the Beckley Kiwanis Club and first Black woman inducted into the Women of the Moose in Beckley.

She was the founding organizer of the annual “Kids Classic” in the City of Beckley. The “Kid’s Classic” is a week-long celebration that allows all children who live throughout Raleigh County an opportunity to come together during the summer in a safe environment for educational and fun activities in downtown Beckley. The festival just celebrated its 28th year.

Madrith, also referred to as “The Daughter of Beckley,” has been recognized for her many civic achievements. In 2008, she was recognized by former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise for her leadership in the City of Beckley by becoming the first recipient of the “Seat for Social Justice” award, a uniquely designed artwork depicting a bus seat that remains on permanent display at the Beckley-Raleigh County Public Library. In 2011, she was awarded a State of West Virginia Legislative Citation by Honorable Nick Joe Rahall II, House of Representatives. In 2016, former Mayor Bill O’Brien, awarded her the City’s highest award, “Key to the City.” In August 2020, Madrith was named “Distinguished West Virginian,” the highest honor that the Governor can confer on a West Virginian.

Despite being blind and other having many other physical challenges, Madrith stayed actively involved in community endeavors well into her mid ‘80s, focusing on education and fiercely advocating for new elementary school in Ward V. In July 2020, Governor Jim Justice and other dignitaries traveled to Beckley to announce that the SBA would be using leftover funding money to grant the $8.9 million needed for Stratton Elementary. It had been Madrith’s latest goal “to just live long enough to make it to the ribbon cutting ceremony.”

Madrith is survived by three daughters, Stephanie (Radames) Rosario of California, Jennifer Chambers of West Virginia, Sharri Chambers of Maryland and two sons, Patrick Bennett of West Virginia and Gregory (Anne) Bennett of California, 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Friday, December 31, 2021 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family from 4:00PM-7:00PM Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the church.

Those desiring to make donations to her favorite charities may do so through an account that has be set up: Madrith Chambers c/o City National Bank 101 S Kanawha St, Beckley, WV 25801 Routing number #051904524 Account #******9794

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.