Ms. Yvette "Ms. Chag" Chargois' Obituary
Houston is mourning the passing of Catherine Yvette Chargois, a longtime City of Houston administrator, a dedicated chair of the Harris County Street Olympics and former people editor of the Houston Defender. Affectionately known as “Ms. Chag,” she died November 10 at the age of 81.
Ms. Chag was born in Houston on October 22, 1942 to Daniel and Catherine Guerra. In 1982, Yvette legally changed her name to Yvette Guerra Chargois.
Early years
A proud native of Fifth Ward, she was the eldest of five sisters. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, and by her sisters Bernadette Consuela Guerra, Mary Margo Beaudion and Marie Onelia LaBrie.
Her early education at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School paved the way for her graduation from Phillis Wheatley High School. She further pursued studies at Texas Southern University before embarking on her career as a businesswoman who owned three gas stations and real estate investments and later in her illustrious career in public administration.
City of Houston Career
Yvette served as the Community Outreach Director for the city of Houston for over 27 years, the last 12 of which she spent as a member of the Houston Police Department command staff. She served under numerous Chiefs of Police, including Lee P. Brown, Elizabeth “Betsy” Watson, Sam Nuchia and Clarence Bradford. She was the only civilian on the command staff. Yvette received accolades for her dedicated service from multiple mayors, including Kathy Whitmire, Bob Lanier and Lee P. Brown. In 1990, she was recognized as public administrator of the year, for which she garnered a commendation from Congressman Craig Washington. Governor Rick Perry recognized her outstanding service as a National Woman of Achievement, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also applauded her commitment to community service.
Community Advocate
For 25 years, Yvette also served as the people/society editor for The Defender Network, skillfully covering local and social events in a column known as “Chag’s Place.” Every week, she bid her readers farewell with a distinctive sign-off – “Ciao Darling.”
Beyond her editorial prowess, Yvette was one of the founding members of the Houston chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), where she also presided as chapter president. Her commitment to community service extended to various organizations, including service as chair of the Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics for over 30 years, the Hester House, Friends of MHMRA, Hope Through Grace, Inc., a cancer-survival support organization and the Martin Luther King Community Center. A prolific public speaker and community advocate, Yvette’s sense of style also earned her a place on the Houston Chronicle’s Best Dressed list. Her wall of fame in her home office showcased her alongside esteemed political leaders and celebrities, reflecting the profound impact she had on countless lives.
Yvette was a member of the social club, LaFleur De Lis, started by family and friends of the Creole culture.
Family Ties
Yvette leaves behind a community of family and friends who love and will miss her dearly. She was affectionately known as MiMi by her grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Danielle Guerra; children, Dana, John, Lisa, and Chris Chargois (daughter-in-law Veronica); grandchildren, Yvette (Byron, London & Canon), Ashley (Allen), Blaire (Jamarcus), Brittney (Jeremy), Chazton (Denise), Christian and Cayden; as well as eleven great grandchildren, Haleigh, Jayden, Hannah, Jacques, Bryce, Jo-Leigh, Garmar II, Alek, Arik, Joshua and Landon, and awaiting two more in the spring of 2024, each a testament to the love and legacy she leaves behind. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who were touched by her grace, warmth, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
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