Joseph Smith Chambers

Joseph “Joe” Smith Chambers, of Brecon Village in Saline, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 100. Joe is survived by his three children, Dan Chambers, Carl Chambers (Heather) and Brian Chambers (Lauren); five grandchildren, Moria (Brian), Laura (Alex), Joel (Grace), Miranda (David) and Ben (Andrea); and two great-grandchildren, Zoe and Quinn. He was predeceased in 2020 by his wife Juanita “Nita” Mae Gieseke Chambers, and by his parents, George and Margaret Chambers of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Joe was born in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, on August 24,1925, the fifth of eight children. He graduated from the Mifflinburg High School in 1943. Joe served in the US Navy during WW II from 1943 to 1946. He attended Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Joe moved to Detroit, Michigan to work at Detroit Edison. On his second day at work, he met the love of his life, Nita. They married on October 21, 1950, and shared 69 wonderful years together. While working full time at Detroit Edison, Joe continued his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, earning a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1957. He held a Michigan Professional Engineer license. Joe spent his entire career at Detroit Edison, holding engineering and engineering leadership positions in Wayne, Detroit and Oakland County offices. He retired from his final role as Head of Division Engineering and Planning for Oakland County in August 1990, after 41 years with the company. Joe was deeply engaged in the church communities of the several United Church of Christ congregations where he and Nita were members. He participated in church choirs, volunteered on committees, and served on consistory boards, including terms as consistory president. In 1999, Joe and Nita moved to the Brecon Village community in Saline, first into a condominium, and were active residents throughout their many years living there. Joe served as president of the Condominium Home Owners Association at Brecon and on the EHM Senior Solutions Board of Directors. Joe was proud of the activities and accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. He attended many of their school, music, and sports events, and served in parent support groups. He also enjoyed traveling with Nita in their camper and taking trips together throughout the United States and some overseas trips. Joe greatly enjoyed singing with his wife Nita in the One Voice Gospel Choir – including travel concert tours within the United States and a memorable trip to Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Joe will be remembered for his calm and loving demeanor, and for his enthusiasm in stepping forward to take on leadership roles in the organizations he supported. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and staff at Brecon Village, Arbor Hospice, and Visiting Angels for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to EHM Senior Solutions, c/o EHM Foundation, 400 W. Russell St., Saline, MI, 48176 (www.ehmss.org/foundation/), or to St. Paul United Church of Christ – Memorial Fund, 122 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI, 48176. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Brecon Village Auditorium/Chapel, 200 Brecon Drive, Saline. A Celebration of Life will begin at 2:00 P.M. Following the service there will be refreshments. Private burial has taken place in Oakwood Cemetery in Saline. To leave a memory you have of Joe, to sign his online guestbook, or for more information, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com Arrangements entrusted to the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline.

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Joseph Smith Chambers

August 24, 1925 - January 5, 2026