Jomelia Chenault

Jomelia Duke Chenault, age 92, passed away on May 5, 2023. She was born on March 17, 1931 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Rodney Giles Duke, Sr. and Candas Freeman Duke.

Jomelia graduated from Litton High School in 1948. During her high school years, she enjoyed cheering on her brother, Kenneth, as he played football. She grew up attending Love’s Chapel United Methodist Church; and later, she became an active member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

Jomelia worked many years as a secretary. Most memorable, while working at Ferro Fiberglass, she met her dear husband, Mr. Neil Chenault, Jr. She went on to work at the Cumberland District of the United Methodist Church, where she retired after working as an assistant to the superintendent for 23 years.

Jomelia enjoyed many things. Before she and Neil had their children, they enjoyed water skiing together on the lake. She was a part of a bridge club and enjoyed playing tennis at Bluegrass Country Club. She also loved flowers, cooking, and taking tours of historic homes. Most of all, she loved being with her family.

Jomelia is survived by her children, Candas “Candy” Ellithorpe (Keith), Neil Chenault III, and Duke Chenault, Sr. (Julie Fleming); grandchildren, Kristin Corsi (Gustavo), Brandon Ellithorpe, Duke Chenault, Jr., Elise Chenault, and McLean Chenault; great grandchildren, Lucas Corsi, Mateo Corsi, and Bianca Corsi; sister, Mary Ann Palmer; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Jomelia is preceded in death by her husband, Neil Chenault, Jr.; and her siblings, Giles Duke, Harold Duke, Kenneth Duke, Randall Duke, Helen Clark, and Norma Brown.

Visitation for Jomelia will be on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

Special thanks to Young at Heart and the Love and Concern Ministry of FUMC and the Ladies Ministry of the Hendersonville Church of God.