Albert Lavell Chalk, 91, of Mendenhall, MS, passed into eternity on October 18, 2026.

Visitation will be held in the sanctuary of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Mendenhall, MS, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 9:00-11:00 in the morning, with funeral services immediately following at 11:00. Burial and graveside service will take place in the Pleasant Valley cemetery. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements 601847-4401.

Simply known to most everyone as “Papaw,” Lavell spent his life serving the Lord and loving his family. Lavell was married to Elizabeth Ann Welch, also of Mendenhall, for nearly 73 years. On Wednesday, June 3, 1953, Lavell and Elizabeth had their first date to prayer meeting at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in the Merit community. The two fell instantly in love and were married on October 23, 1953. From that day forward, Lavell and Elizabeth built a life at home in the Merit community, where they raised their five children and hosted many more guests in the years to come.

Lavell spent his life working hard to provide for his growing family, which often took him far away from home. As a young man, he spent many years working for L.E. Myers building electrical substations out west. Then he drove a tour bus for Jackson Tour & Travel, traveling the entire country and even Canada. Lavell worked up until he was 84 years old, when he finally retired from Waters International after 27 years. From that day forward, he and Elizabeth enjoyed a cup of coffee every morning on the front porch. Above all, Lavell loved Jesus, and he was a living, breathing example of a Godly man. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at a young age and continued to serve the Lord until the very end of his life here on earth. He and Elizabeth always called Pleasant Valley Baptist Church their “home” and served in any capacity needed, from teaching Sunday school to leading the music. 

In 1956, Lavell was ordained a deacon at Pleasant Valley, where he continued to serve for many more years. The two could be seen on any given Sunday One of Lavell’s most favorite things to do was sing. Until recent years, Lavell could be found in the choir most every Sunday morning. He spent many years singing for the Lord as a member of the Pleasant Valley Quartet and the Chalks. Singing for Jesus was Lavell’s ministry in life! A line in one of his favorite hymns, “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,” are words that he absolutely lived by. He truly was rich in faith and in the love of his family. More than anything on earth, he loved his family. He loved Elizabeth, and together they built a large family. Nothing made him happier than having his children and grandchildren at his house, eating a meal with him at his table.

He was known for filling your cup with just a little more sweet tea, even if you didn’t need more tea! When the great-grandchildren came along, Papaw was giving rides on the golf cart, which put the babies right to sleep! A full house, with little feet running all around, was never a bother to Papaw. When he said, “Call me if you need anything,” he meant it with his whole heart. His family truly bought him the greatest joy.

Lavell was preceded in death by his parents, William Oscar Chalk and Annie Runnels Chalk, both of Magee; his brother, Otis Chalk; his sister, Brazell Chalk Meadows; and his eldest daughter, Ginger Chalk Barnard.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Welch Chalk; children, Jane Clark (Earl); Walt Chalk (Cathy); William Chalk (Lezlie); Woody Chalk (Tess); 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson. 

Pallbearers will be Caden Bradley, Cullen Bradley, Logan Chalk, Tim Orders, Johnny Rawls, Brandon Toney.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com