Mother Betty Jean Chandler

Her story is one full of LOVE. A special, make your heart happy love and a smile that could brighten the darkest day. Her legacy is one of family, hope, and encouragement. To know Mother Betty Jean Chandler is an experience that leaves an imprint on your heart forever.

It was a wonderful summer day in Memphis when a ray of sunshine entered the world.  June 29, 1940 John and Rosie Lee Williams were beyond excited to welcome their baby girl. She was adored by her parents and sister, Doris, and brother John.

Mother Chandler made her transition on Tuesday May 31, 2022 surrounded by her family.

She would often share fond memories of her childhood including playing outside, especially swinging! She enjoyed spending time with her family and three friends Bobbie Jean, Maude, and Marva.  Mother Chandler graduated from Melrose High School in 1958. She attended National School of Businessin Tennessee, and Harris Teacher College, in St. Louis.

1961 was a monumental year for Mother Chandler. She moved to East Chicago. She was eventually introduced to her future and beloved husband, James. They were married December 16, 1961.Their love began a wonderful family legacy through their children Edward Maurice and Jan Michelle.

Mother Chandler’s love of God was evident and impossible to ignore. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1968 at Friendly Church of God in Christ, now renamed Inspirational Community Center Ministry.  She loved serving as an usher both in her local church under the leadership of Pastors L.C. and Louis Charles Baker and the Zion District. After relocating to South Bend, Indiana; Mother Chandler continued to serve God and the ministry of Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr., onthe Mother’s Board. 

She served the Lord and her church with all her heart  She found the most encouragement in reading the Word of God.  The Bible was her most comforting possession. Mother Chandler shared biblical wisdom with anyone she came into contact.  Her ongoing statement was “watch as well as pray”. 

During her professional career, Mother Chandler worked at St. Margaret Hospital becoming the first Black in Central Services.  She also worked at Queen Anne Candy in Hammond, IN; often joking she ate more candy than she made. Mother Chandler was a teacher at heart in e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g she did.  She was a pre-school teacher at Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Indiana, and a head teacher with the Development Training Center in Gary, Indiana.

Mother Chandler exhibited a wonderful mothering and godly spirit.  She was surrogate mother to so many, exemplifying the epitome of encouragement. Mother Chandler enthusiastically spoke life and positivity. There was nothing more important to her than family… each and every member of her family.

Mother Chandler is preceded in death by her husband, Elder James Chandler; parents, John and Rosie Lee Williams; son, Bishop Edward Maurice Chandler; grandson/nephew, Melvin Williams Marable; siblings; John Williams and Doris Eiland, best friend Marshai Baker and spiritual parents, Pastor L.C. and Pearlie Baker.

She leaves to cherish her memories, Daughter, Missionary Jan (Deacon Steven) Marable, Granddaughter, Ashley (Brandon) Rouse and Great Grandchildren, Amaya, Brandon Jr, Ava and Bryson all of South Bend, Indiana, one brother, Melvin Williams, three sister in laws, Marilyn Chandler, Helen Chandler and Joan Williams, Goddaughters: Donna Watts, Felecia Triplett, Ravinia Mosely and Andria Wilson, along with the entire Baker family, special friend/mentor, Missionary Mary Spiller and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended familyand friends.

Homegoing services for Mother Chandler will be held on Saturday June 11, 2022 at 11 A.M at Pentecostal Cathedral Church Of God In Christ, 1025 Western Ave, South Bend, IN 46601.Visitation will be held at 10 A.M at the Cathedral with burial to follow at Southlawn Cemetery. 

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