Chelsea, the son of the late Chester Atandy and Glina Mae Tipton, was born May 10, 1932 in Tulsa Oklahoma. Chelsea so enjoyed his life in Oklahoma. Some of his early childhood experiences that he often talked about was his closeness to nature, love for planting, the beauty in the changing of seasons, fishing, cooking holiday meals and caring for a particular angus steer. While in Oklahoma he attended and graduated high school in Sands Springs. After graduation, Chelsea moved to Virginia to attend Virginia State College where he met his wife of 63 years Blonnie Peery Tipton and found his love of music. While at Virginia State College, he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and also received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music in 1955. Upon graduation, Chelsea served his country in the United States Army from 1956-1958. While in the Army, he continued to share his love of music as a member of the Army Band where he played clarinet. Chelsea continued his studies in music at the University of Illinois where he received his Masters of Music Education in 1960 and then moved back to Oklahoma to gain his Doctorate of Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1968. Career Highlights: Clarinet, soloist with the Dallas Texas Symphony Orchestra, Tenure/Chairman of the Music Department at Langston University, Chairman of the Music Department at Hampton University, appointed Dean of Academic Affairs at Bennett College, where he founded the Chalmeau Clarinet Quartet. In 1986, he retired and continued in his second career as a real estate investor. Church Work: As a steward in church, working for the Lord was an important part of Chelsea's life. He served in the Music Ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church, Union Memorial United Methodist Church and St. James Presbyterian Church. Chelsea was also active in the Chancel Choir, Men's Choir, Presbyterian Men, Presbyterian Rollers (Bowling Team) and served as a church Elder for two terms. He leaves behind his beloved wife Blonnie Peery Tipton, daughter Cheryl Tipton Eley (Eric), sons Chelsea Tipton II, and William Lewis Tipton (Emiliana). He has three remaining siblings: Lula Mouton (Aros), Jerry (Stella) and Jessie (Alma) as well as two siblings who he will be joining in heaven: Chester Jr. (Doris), a twin brother Chauncy. Grandchildren: Christopher Eley, Chelsea Eley, Sebastian Tipton, Sabrina Tipton Vance (Jakob), Alana Tipton, Gabriel Tipton and Giana Pinon. Great Grandchildren: Leila and Oden Vance and a host of nieces and nephews. Treasured Friends and Mentors: Dr. F.N. Gatlin, Dr. William Sims and school friend Alvin Riley.

A wake will be held from 6-7pm on Friday September 13, 2019 at St. James Presbyterian Church; 820 Ross Ave. Greensboro, NC. A service honoring his life will be held Saturday September 14, 2019, at St. James Presbyterian Church. Service will begin at 10am.