Carmel Ann Birdwell

Obituary for Carmel Ann Birdwell (Chisum)

Carmel Ann Birdwell (Chisum) joined the heavenly choir on August 10, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on September 22, 1939, in Pineland, Sabine County, Texas, to Vera and Clyde Chisum. Carmel grew up with a love of learning, music, and a strong work ethic that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from Deweyville High School at the remarkable age of 16 before attending Texas Woman's University. Years later, while balancing family and career, she fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning her BS degree from Lamar University in 1990.

Carmel enjoyed a distinguished career in Human Resources spanning more than three decades with Bayer Corporation in Orange, Texas, where she served from 1966 until her retirement in 2001, rising to the position of Manager of Human Resources. In this role, she built meaningful relationships with employees and took great pride in supporting and guiding the workforce she served. Her expertise and leadership earned her a unique international opportunity to travel to Russia, where she assisted with efforts to privatize industries, establish market exchanges, and mentor local entrepreneurs in the principles and practices of a free-market economy. She was also deeply involved with the Texas Workforce Commission in Orange County, where she worked to strengthen opportunities for workers and employers alike. Throughout her career, Carmel was respected not only for her professional excellence but also for her integrity, wisdom, and genuine concern for others.

Service to her community was an important part of Carmel's life. She faithfully served on the Board of Directors for the Orange County United Way for 19 years and was a devoted member of the Order of the Daughters of the King. Whether serving her church or her community, Carmel believed that every opportunity to help others was a blessing.

Carmel spent most of her years in Deweyville, where she raised her family and faithfully served her church, especially through the gift of music. Her beautiful voice blessed countless worship services, and she found great joy in leading others in praise. After moving to Beaumont, she became an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where she sang in the choir and volunteered in the church office. Never one to stop learning, Carmel earned her Certification in Theological Education from The University of the South School of Theology in 2009. Her lifelong love of teaching began at just 11 years old when she started teaching Sunday School, a ministry she continued for many years.

While Carmel's accomplishments were many, her greatest joy was her family. Known as Gran, she is survived by her sons, James Birdwell and wife Nina, and Gordon Birdwell and wife Denise, her daughter, Nelwyn Robinson and husband Keith, her sister, Lynda Reeves, sister-in-law Debbie Jones and her brother Doug Jones. Grandchildren Carmel Jean "CJ" Poth and husband Keith, Katherine "Katie" Birdwell, Jillian Robinson, Sarah McKnight and husband Zach, Jacob Birdwell and wife J. Storme, and great-grandchildren Quinn Michael and Emory Poth, Dylan Grace and Parker Cline McKnight, Jennings Storme and Jasper Allen Birdwell, and nieces Lee Welch and husband David and daughter Samantha Welch, and Carmel Myers and husband Jim, and nephew Chisum Reeves and daughter Alex Reeves.

Carmel will be remembered for her intelligence, quiet strength, and unwavering love for the Lord. A celebration of Carmel's life will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Beaumont, Texas on Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Curt Norman officiating. There will be a visitation before the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow immediately at St. Stephen’s Columbarium after the service.

Serving as an Honorary Pallbearer will be Keith Downey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Music Ministry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706, a ministry that brought Carmel great joy throughout her life.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we rejoice in the promise that Carmel has joined the heavenly choir, where her voice now sings in eternal praise.