Marjorie Ann Ballard Chesteen

Marjorie Ann Ballard Chesteen peacefully passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025 in her home surrounded by her family.   She was born on October 30, 1942 in Montgomery County to her parents Charles Wesley and Ruby Jim (Cochran) Ballard. 

Margie, as she was known to her family and friends, was a 1960 graduate of Kilmichael High School and attended Holmes Junior College for one year before starting her career working for AT&T as an operator in Winona, MS.  She worked for AT&T and BellSouth for a total of 32 years, transitioning over the years from operator (Winona) to business office (Greenwood) and finally switch room technician (Grenada).  Following her retirement from BellSouth, she worked part-time for the Bank of Kilmichael and was very active in the United Methodist Women’s Club, the Kilmichael Women’s Club, and the BellSouth Pioneer Volunteer Organization.  She also served on the board for the Kilmichael Friendship Cemetery. Margie was a member of Bethlehem Methodist Church, serving as children’s Sunday School teacher, secretary/ treasurer.   She also enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and cooking for her family.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Wesley and Ruby Jim (Cochran) Ballard and her brother, Charles Thomas Ballard.  She is survived by her husband of 61 years, William Chesteen; son Billy Chesteen (Pam); daughter Christy Carwile (Mark); sister Jo DeShazier (Stanley); and grandsons Rhine Chesteen (Kristin), Andrew Chesteen (Audra), Jon Reuben Chesteen (Hannah), and Bailey Carwile.  She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren Selah Joy Chesteen, Drew Chesteen, Olivia Chesteen, Maddox Chesteen and Carley Carwile.

In addition to her family, she was blessed to have wonderful, dedicated caregivers enabling her to remain in her home throughout her illness: Savannah Rodgers, Melissa McMullan, Allyson Gore, and Callie Naquin.   Her family is especially thankful for Allyson Gore, who was her caregiver for over 3 years and could always get her to smile. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at Bethlehem Methodist Church with the service to follow at 2:00pm.  Burial will immediately follow at Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery.  Services will be officiated by Dr. Andrew Chesteen, Rev. Neville Vanderburg, and Rev. Linda Little.  Pallbearers are Rhine Chesteen, Jon Reuben Chesteen, Bailey Carwile, Will Hedgepeth, Logan Jones, and Langston Boles.  Honorary pallbearers are Guy Johnson, David Johnson, Robert Johnson, George Frank Carwile and Samuel Pittman. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Keith Rushing and his staff; Kristin Chesteen, PharmD and Hammond’s Pharmacy; and Starlet Cannady, RN and Aironecia Edwards, CNA with Baptist Hospice Care for her excellent care.

Memorials can be made to Bethlehem Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery Fund (606 Bethlehem Church Rd, Kilmichael, MS 39747) or Kilmichael Friendship Cemetery (488 Hwy 413, Kilmichael, MS 39747).