Bennie Chesley Chisolm, Sr.

Bennie Chesley “Chess” Chisolm, Sr., was born on October 29, 1940, in Meridian, Mississippi, son to the late Cuba Cicero Chisolm, Sr., and Bessie Emerson and the sixth of seven siblings. Chess received his education in the Kemper County School District until his relocation to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1952, where he graduated from the Harrisburg School District. His professional journey led him to retire from Acer Paving in June 2009. An entrepreneur at heart, Chess established Chisolm Construction, a company dedicated to community service through various projects and lawn care, mostly free of charge.

Aside from his professional endeavors, Chess found joy in deep-sea fishing and cooking, particularly his renowned Friday Fish Fry. At every family gathering, the family would look forward to his cooking. Embracing his faith, Chess became a member of Shiloh COGIC under the guidance of the late Pastor Carl E. Hines, later joining Fresh Bread Christian Ministries in Georgia, led by Pastor Daniel Fagan. In the church, he served as a Trustee but found his passion as Head Usher, epitomizing Psalm 84:10 as his favorite verse, “I would rather choose to be a doorkeeper in the House of my God; than to live in the tents, or in the homes, of the sinner.”

In 2009, Chess encountered health challenges, but his determination to be with family, entertain, and travel remained steadfast. On April 26, 2024, Chess peacefully transitioned to his eternal resting place, supported by his cherished granddaughter, Contessa Holloman-Robinson, whom he affectionately referred to as his shadow by his side. In addition to his parents, Chess was predeceased by two children (Dana Chisolm and Barry Chisolm, Sr.), and five siblings (Johnnie P. Spriggs, Mary E. White, Alfred Chisolm, Cuba C. Chisolm, Jr., and Willie Chisolm).

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Monica Duke Chisolm; children Bennie Chisolm, Jr., Donna Jackson, Robert (Jannette) Wright, Sr., and Zina Warner; stepchildren Sue-Ann Codrington, Sheena Greene, and St. Clair Gurley, Jr.; siblings Margie C. Williams and Kathleen Waller; as well as 25 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren, and a multitude of family and friends. 

Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Loving Submitted by the Family