Biography: Mary Lillian Lee Chaney, of Little Rock passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Chenal Rehab and Healthcare Center. The daughter of Loreen M. and John Hunter Lee, she was born in Whelan Springs, Arkansas, on June 3, 1934. Dr. Chaney was raised in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1952. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Henderson State University in 1956, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas in 1958, a Master of Science in Education degree from Arkansas State University in 1973 and a Doctorate Degree in Education from Memphis State University in 1988. Dr. Chaney dedicated much of her life to the advocacy of children and civil rights. She was instrumental in the creation of the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and served as an original member of the board of directors. She also was president of the Arkansas Association for Retarded Citizens and on the board of the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. She spearheaded efforts in the development of public kindergarten in Arkansas. A certified counselor and psychological examiner, Dr. Chaney practiced in Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Hot Springs. Earlier in her career, she was a top administrator at Arkansas Children’s Colony in Jonesboro. As a young woman, Dr. Chaney was very interested in drama and performed in numerous plays and was very proud of being a part of summer stock at the Plymouth Drama Festival in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Dr. Chaney is survived by a family who loves her very much, including her five children; Marjorie Powell of Dallas, Rebecca Campbell of Little Rock, Marianne Hudson of Fayetteville, Donald Chaney of Little Rock and John Chaney of Little Rock; seven grandchildren: Hunter Cooper of Little Rock, Ross Cooper of Little Rock, Susannah Powell of Dallas, Camille Powell of Dallas, Harper Hudson of Fayetteville, John Hudson of Fayetteville, and Cal Chaney of Little Rock. She is also survived by her sons-in-laws; Curtis Powell of Dallas, Phil Campbell of Little Rock and Rusty Hudson of Fayetteville and daughter-in-law; Rachel Chaney of Little Rock. The entire family would like to convey their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care, kindness and devotion of the staff at Chenal Rehab and Healthcare Center. There will be a visitation from 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 21, at Ruebel Funeral Home followed by a graveside service Saturday at 11 a.m. at Forest Hill Memorial Park officiated by Rev.Thompson Murray. Arrangements under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 10411 West Markham St, Suite.120, Little Rock, AR 72205 or the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families at Union Station, Suite 306, 1400 West Markham Street, Little Rock, 72201.