Alano "Loni" Chapple's Obituary
Alano Marvette Chapple, known to many as “Loni”, was born September 28, 1960, in Los
Angeles, California. She was the third born child to the late Weldon and Earline Chapple. Loni
has two older siblings, Cassandra “Sandie”, the late Derrick, and youngest sister Monique. Loni
attended Saint Phillip Neri Junior High School and Regina Caeli High School. The Chapple
family moved to San Diego, California in 1978 where Loni graduated from John Muir High
School. Loni then pursued higher learning at Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) in Southeast
San Diego where she studied Child Development and Black Studies.
In 1990, Loni and her good friend, Julie McMillan, formed a childcare business, “Babes in
Totland” where they provided a safe and effective learning environment for many children
over the years. Loni continued with childcare throughout her life and eventually added event
coordination to her repertoire. Loni truly enjoyed this industry as she was able to plan a
variety of unforgettable events and parties, and yes, she did ALL kinds of parties, which led
to her befriending many people and creating life long bonds.
In 1993, Loni and Roderick Urise Sewell were blessed with a daughter, Jonei Pearl
Chapple-Sewell. Loni did not only serve as a loving mother to her daughter, but she opened
her home to family, friends, her church community, and the neighborhoods she resided in. In
doing so, she regularly assisted children and teens that endured hardship by drawing them
closer to God and providing them with a safe space. Loni took joy in opening her home and
heart to others throughout her life.
In 1995, Loni founded We Can Make a Difference (W.C.M.D.), a youth dance group centered
around Gospel Hip Hop where children, teens, and young adults had the opportunity to explore
their relationship with themselves and Jesus Christ (known for their talents and bright green and
yellow uniforms). In 2008, Loni continued to teach and lead young women by managing Sistah
Girls, a praise dance ministry. Throughout the years, Loni ensured W.C.M.D. and Sistah Girls
were constantly booked with performances and appearances throughout San Diego County.
With her heart set on God, Loni’s faith was one many admired and occasionally found it
impossible to achieve. She not only maintained a strong connection to God but continued to
serve as a member at Liberty Temple Worship Center under the guidance of Pastor Michael and
Christina Page.
As we celebrate Loni’s homegoing, she leaves her legacy with her daughter, siblings, cousins,
a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, friends and all of those she
adopted as family in her heart.
What’s your fondest memory of Alano?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alano?
Share a story where Alano's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alano you’ll never forget.
How did Alano make you smile?
