Chaunte C Calvert

Chaunté Chenille Calvert was born on January 4, 1980, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and she passed away on December 29, 2025, in the same city she always called home. Chaunté was born to her mother, Vanessa Inez Simmons, and her father, James Albert Calvert. But if you asked Chaunté, she would tell you she was part of the Journey crew, and her daddy was Gill Lopez Journey, Sr., who loved her as his own. As a child, Chaunté was quiet, happy, well-mannered, and respectful. She was also goofy in her own way and very loving. Being the only girl for much of her upbringing, she kept to herself, but she was especially close to her girl cousins, who were more like sisters to her. At an early age, Chaunté gave her life to Christ and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Smyrna, Tennessee, under the leadership of Rev. Gregory Fuller. Although she spent some years living in Middle Tennessee—Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Shelbyville—Indianapolis was always home to Chaunté. No matter where life took her, this was the place she claimed and returned to. Summers were her break from the sticks of Tennessee and she longed for time with her family outside of the watchful eyes of her mom. Growing up, the rule was clear: she could spend the weekend with you, but she had to be at church on Sunday morning – no exceptions! Chaunté attended Emmerich Manual High School and graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis in 1998. Later in life, she went back to school at South College, working toward becoming a licensed practical nurse. It was a dream she had carried for a long time. Being inspired and encouraged by her little brother, she finally decided to bet on herself and go after it. Her son, Marquise J. Curlin, was her whole world. As a single mother, Chaunté worked long hours and multiple jobs to make sure her son had what he needed. She was tired often, but she never complained. His smile meant everything to her, and everything she did was for him. Chaunté was not afraid of hard work. She spent years caring for others through her work at Forum at the Crossing, ClearVista, TenderCare Home Health Services, including private senior care, and Grand Brook Memory Care of Greenwood. Taking care of people wasn’t just her job—it was who she was. Family meant everything to Chaunté. She showed up—to cookouts, holidays, birthdays, and whatever else was going on. If there was a gathering, she tried to be there. She was known for her baked spaghetti and for running the smoker no matter the weather. Rain, sleet, or snow didn’t stop her. She was a giver with a big heart and would give her last if someone needed it. She opened her home to loved ones and was always ready for a road trip, especially if she was the one driving. She loved to travel and stay on the move. And if you ever caught her in the right moment, you might hear her sing—she had a beautiful voice, even if she didn’t share it often. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Nellie May Murray Gold; her parents, Vanessa Simmons, James Calvert, and Gill Journey, Sr.; her brother Keith Journey; and her uncles, Eddie Simmons and Arthur Jackson. Chaunté leaves to cherish her memory her son, Marquise; her brothers Dr. Eddie Journey, Gill L. Journey, Jr., Terrell Journey, Henry Journey, Antron Journey, Eric, James, Jr., Willie M., Jordan Calvert, Rev. Johnny Minion Calvert, Walter Burroughs, and Sydeny L. Lancaster; her sisters LaTonya M. Calvert, Walletta S. Gorman, and Gyuanna Twyman; her godson De’Ryus “Doodles” Bell; her aunties Marion (Clem) Jones, Annie (George) Woods, Evelyn Patton, Jesse McCloud, Beverly Croom, Lorri (Steven) Ferguson, and Tina Simmons; her uncle Andrew (Terri) Simmons; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Chaunté was a real one. She was steady. She loved her people with every inch of her soul. And she will be deeply missed.

Chaunte C Calvert

January 4, 1980 - December 29, 2025