Nelda Jane Chandler

Nelda Jane Chandler, our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 8, 2026. She was born to Evert and Hattie Smith on September 4, 1933 in Magnolia Springs, TX. She graduated from Kirbyville High School and attended Durham Business School for one year. She worked at the Jasper County Courthouse in Texas prior to meeting her husband of 67 years, Charles Gaylon Chandler, who became a pilot in the United States Air Force. While in the service, they moved from Texas, to Georgia, and to California before settling down in Kingsport, TN in 1961.

Nelda had the gift of encouragement and serving others. A dedicated homemaker, she raised their four sons, and supported them through high school, college, and graduate school. She also served her community as a school nurse, Cub Scout den mother, and was involved with multiple church activities. She was a loving “Ging-gi” of 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She served her family and friends with hospitality, cooking, and sewing. Nelda and Charles were faithful Christians who spread the word of God to their community and nations as charter members of Tri-Cities Baptist Church. They took part in multiple mission trips to Europe, Africa, and Latin America. They served for decades with The Gideons International.

Preceding her in death are her parents and loving husband.

She is survived by her sister, Wilma Wingo of Natchitoches, LA. Nelda is also survived by her son, Dr. Glenn Chandler and wife, Libba of Murfreesboro, TN, and their children, Angela Rubley (husband, Seth, son, Troy), Drew Chandler (wife, Rachel, sons, Owen and Luke), and Erin Adkins (husband, Johnathan, children, Colbie and Nathan); son, Dr. Paul Chandler and wife Debbie of Florence, SC, and their children Joshua Chandler (wife Maryse, children, Jack and Diane) and Ashley Marsh (husband Jesse, children, Abby and David); her son Dr. Greg Chandler and wife Debby of Memphis, TN, and their children Benjamin Chandler (wife Halie, sons, Charlie and Anderson), and Stephen Chandler (wife Shara, daughters, Lucy Jane and Hattie), and

foster son, Micheal Wright; her son, Joel Chandler and wife Fran of Lexington, SC, and their children, Bethany Chandler, Caitlin Wilson (husband Ryan, children, Cooper, Tucker, Mackenzie, and Averie), Hannah Wilson (husband, Jeremy, children, Ryleigh and Daniel), Ethan Chandler, and Kylie Chandler.

A Memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Tri-Cities Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Gideons International.