By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

Westover Shelby County resident Edwina Chappell has a heart for senior citizens less fortunate than herself.

She uses her talent as an accomplished seamstress, vocalist and entertainer to bring joy to the lives of those in assisted living, nursing and retirement facilities.

For more than two decades Chappell has been the choir director and brings her own equipment to the small church she attends.

In 2016 she received a proclamation from former Westover Mayor Mark McLaughlin for her 10 years of service as stage and entertainment director for the Westover Christmas parade.

Whether designing costumes or fashions for pageants, volunteering to entertain and sing at nursing homes and other community venues or working the family business, Chappell is a friend to everyone she meets and her service to others have been an inspiration to seniors everywhere she goes.

In 2008 she won the 22^nd annual Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant held at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.

State winners go on to compete at the national level. She also placed in the top 10 contestants for Ms. Senior USA on the Boardwalk in the Atlantic City pageant.

This the only program of its kind to honor women over 60 years old.

Contestants are judged on talent, poise community service and the ability to communicate well.

“It is not just another beauty pageant,” Chappell said.

The Ms. Senior Alabama pageant is designed to enrich the lives of senior women while allowing them to share their experiences, wisdom and interest with others.

It is also an opportunity to meet new acquaintances, make friends and showcase talents.

Chappell has been married to her husband, Frank, for over 55 years.

They have three children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The couple are talented musicians and enjoy sharing their gift to enhance the lives of others. She loves to paint and has won first place in numerous competitions.

She also loves to travel and has been to numerous countries from Canada to the Bahamas.

She has been an RSVP member since 2010 and is the station manager for the Ms. Senior Shelby County.

Chappell has been recognized for her devotion and commitment to serving her fellow man and as such is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Shelby County RSVP Spirit Award, RSVP five-year service pin, the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for 500 hours of service, the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award for over 4,000 hours of service, and she was selected to the 201 Alabama Senior Citizen Hall of Fame for the RSVP Award.