Herbert Donell Chambers

Herbert Donell Chambers was born on Tuesday, September 12,1950 in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Elijah Roberson and Anna (Chambers) Williams. He was raised in his early years in Marshall, Texas by the late Melvin and Mae Francis Chambers. When Herbert was young, he attended a church revival accepting Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized. He would go on to recognize his faith with the Church of Christ. While growing up in Marshall, Herbert made excellent grades and was referred to by teachers as Poindexter. He was often recognized for his outstanding writing skills, where he once wrote a short story entitled, The Legend of Potter’s Creek. Continuing with his education, he was offered to attend and integrate Marshall High School. Herbert enrolled in the school and joined the football team all while continuing to excel academically and in sports. Herbert eventually moved to Houston, Texas where he went to Jesse H. Jones High School and graduated, May 30, 1969. After graduating, he attended University of Houston as an English major.

Herbert worked at General Electric Company and then at NASA from 1977 and retiring in 2012. Herbert was a Mission Control Center (MCC) Facility Operations Coordinating Supervisor. He was tasked with real time communication with astronauts and space craft during space missions. He also coordinated mission planning, monitoring and control and ensuring the safety and success of human space flights. During his tenure he received numerous achievements and certifications, one being for International Space Station (ISS) Command.

Herbert loved playing and watching football, basketball and softball. He was a ride or die Houston fan of all teams (male and female). He was an avid traveler, traveling everywhere with his family. He loved his family and friends, always trying to spend time and make people feel special. He was a people person and known to have never met a stranger. He loved working out at the gym. He was interested in body building and simply maintaining good health.

Herbert was blessed with ten siblings, four of whom proceeded him in death, Gloridean, Brenda, Charles and Elton. He is survived by Thomas, Debra, Johnnie Mae, Cynthia, Rodney and Monica.

Herbert leaves to cherish his love and memories: his wife, Fabiola, his two daughters, Toshia Mitchell and Erika Chambers; his four grandchildren, Joseph, Tashia, Kiedren and Kameron and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.