Louise Chastain

Louise Bishop Chastain died Thursday. She used to roller skate on US-41, now Cobb Parkway, when it was first paved. The family farm was not far from what is now the intersection of Cobb Parkway and South Marietta Parkway. She will lie-in-state, 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2008, followed by her service at 11 a.m., at the little New Hope Methodist Church across the street from that farm. She will be buried in New Hope Cemetery adjacent to the church, alongside her late husband, Edward Winn Chastain, her parents, her grandparents, and other relatives, one of whom was born in the 1700’s. Louise’s life growing up on this farm started 83 years ago but would seem more like 183 years ago when you think of the changes that have taken place i.e.; little things like no running water. She was always very bright and in fact tied with a boy for the highest grades in her Osborne High School graduating class. She forsook a possible scholarship to the University of Georgia for love. A war was brewing and it was not difficult to assume the charming young man she was so in love with would be called away to participate in it. Her two sons, Joe and Jack Chastain of Marietta say they only recall their mother telling one lie—and that was when she told the Justice of the Peace in Paulding County that she was 18 two weeks before that actual birthday. Louise worked at the Bell Bomber Plant during the war and then was a stay at home Mom, teaching Sunday school, being home room mother and cooking wonderful meals. When the “new” Sears store opened on Roswell Street around 1956, Louise applied for a job and was hired immediately. She was the assistant store cashier until she retired after 29 years. She worked hard to ensure both her sons had college educations. The three things Louise loved most were, God, family and nature. She taught Sunday school much of her life, always studied her Bible, attended and then held a leadership role in the Bible Study Fellowship. She could pray the most wonderful prayers. Louise was always interested in conservation and preservation of our natural resources. Before her time, she worried about the loss and waste of our natural springs, streams and rivers. She loved the mountains and forests and each and every tree. With relish she would inspect her yard every day to see what she might find in bloom. She loved to show off every sweet shrub in the spring as well as the jonquils from “The Home Place.” After a long bout with dementia, Louise has her wonderful mind back and is no doubt serving her Lord. Mrs. Chastain is survived by two sons, Joe Chastain, Jack Chastain, both of Marietta; two sisters, Sue Davis, Anne Mitchell, both of Marietta; one brother, Neil Bishop of Marietta; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Contributions may be made to New Hope Cemetery Fund, 673 Wiley Road, Marietta, GA 30067. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.

Louise Chastain

June 20, 2008