By Linda Elissalde
Carole Griffith Chambers was born in Beaumont, Texas on July 13, 1934. Carole played the piano, sang in school choirs, studied voice with Eloise Milam and joined Beaumont’s Melody Maids. The Melody Maids, directed by Mrs. Milam, performed in many cities and on US Military Posts. One of those trips took Carole to New York City. Carole always knew that she wanted to be an actress and set out to obtain her dream She attended Lamar State College of Technology for two years followed by three years at the University of Texas in Austin. Then she headed back to New York and performed on “the boards” for fifteen years while continuing to study her craft under master teachers. This was her first career. Carole states that she had amazing, wonderfully satisfying experiences, and unhappy ones too, but it was a great life.

Jack Chambers came into her life bringing with him two children. Margot and John were delightful additional blessings. Carole became surrogate mother for three months of the year and whenever they could be together. Mrs. Chambers loved her new job as a mother and also began a new career. Carole became Manager of Andre Emmerich’s Soho Gallery. The gallery represented and showcased forty or fifty artists each year. Many of them were super-stars in Abstract Expressionism painting and sculpture. Carole directed shows and sold the art.

Family summers were spent on Fire Island, a small community of 12 houses surrounded by a national seashore. Travel was only by boat or foot. Carole took on the government when it wanted the land and showered the island with new laws and regulations. She helped form a grass roots organization, and as president, lobbied Congress to find and develop solutions. Guess what? Although it took sixteen years, the group won their war by dotting all i’s and crossing all t’s.

With the children grown and into their own lives, the Chambers moved to Crystal Beach, Texas. Here Carole met Pastor Valerie Hudson. Bayview Methodist Church became home for her fifth career. She sings in the choir and leads a ministry meeting. She utilizes her acting talents playing biblical women. Carole enthusiastically declares, “I have lived a fantastic life with great adventures, but I have never experienced such constant excitement and joy anticipating the next day. God is great; gracious to me and kind beyond what I deserve. No matter how I treated Him, He never left me in all my days. Now, at home at last, I will seek to love Him back.”

Carole’s leadership abilities at Bay Vue Methodist Church have earned the sobriquet – Queen of the Realm. With her 90th birthday looming, members decided that she deserved a Queenly Celebration. Hurricane Beryl closed down an original plan. That did not stop her loyal subjects from making new plans for July 19th at Jose’s Cantina. Royal Planning Committee Members Rita Moseley, Jo and Don Evans, Betty Williamson and Linda Carole Elissalde went into action. Jo notified friends and family that The Event was on again. Rita provided crown and royal sash. Famed cake maker Elaine Rolffing, along with wonderful husband Dennis, swiftly drove Crystal Beach so Elaine could assist Rita. Their team work produced cakes worthy of a Queen. One more delicious cake was added by talented Marsha Fredenburg if needed. Needless to say they were all gobbled down. Linda C. Elissalde was in charge of decorations. Betty Williamson provided champagne and flutes for a finale toast to Queen Carole. Jose’s helpers were, as always, outstanding. Yulissa and Linda expertly served over thirty guests. Nieces Lauren Griffith and Tamara Steinman along with church members and friends joined in celebratory revelries. Queen Carole Griffith Chambers crowned Robert Morgan as her Consort because Bob celebrated his 83rd birthday on July 19th. He performed as a very fitting escort.

Happy 90th Birthday, Queen Carole, with multiple wishes for many, many more. How does one end such an elegant birthday party? Her Royal Highness’ loyal subjects stood and raised their glasses to heartily proclaim, “HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY TO QUEEN CAROLE! LONG MAY SHE REIGN!

PS: Watch for an encore next year.

[LCE: Jul-23-2024]