Ora Jean Chandler

Ora Jean Chandler, 73 of Knoxville, Tennessee, departed this life August 11, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  She was a graduate of East High School, Clinton, LA, Class of 1969, and was employed by Knox County School System for 15 years.  Her family was her world.  Jean was known as “Memaw” and was the most loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother.  

She was a Faithful member at Tabernacle Missionary Church and served on the kitchen committee for many years.  She was well known for her creamy grits, banana pudding, blueberry bread pudding, and so much more.  She also served on the pastor’s aide committee.  

She was preceded in death by her father, Robin Gibbs Sr., sisters Josephine McElwee and Geraldine Dunn, brother James Gibbs, grandson Devin Williams, and daughter Alicia Chandler.  

She leaves to cherish her memories; loving mother Mildred Gibbs, devoted husband; Gary Chandler Sr. of 45 years, within that union a son; Gary (Tilia) Chandler Jr.; loving daughters, Debbie Edwards, Kim (Morris) Flowers, Johneshia Edwards, April Caldwell; grandchildren, Arianna Holloway, Domonique Williams, Caleah Smith, Clarence Smith Jr., Kobe Wilson, Shadeja Chandler, Adarius McLeroy, Jadeja Wilson, Giselle Chandler; great grandchildren, Michael McMahan IV, Camoura Smith, Camauri, Cincere, and Ivori Chandler, and Zuri Wilson, Adarius Funches, Gabby Foster, Amina McLeroy; sisters, Lottie Brooks, Lisa Gibbs, Lorraine (Ricky) Davis Sr. brother Robin Gibbs Jr.; sister-in-law; Barbara Holt, Jackie Chandler, Sheena Chandler, Linda Gibbs; brother-in-law, Peter Dunn Sr., Michael (Jackie) Chandler, Jerome (Faye) Edwards, Mitchell Edwards, Wilfred Edwards; bonus daughters, Chanda Williams and Mia Nevels, and a host for nieces and nephews, and co-workers.  

Special family and friends; Walter Johnson Nancy Kilbourne, Donald Johnson, Walter Johnson Sr., Pastor Jones, Terri Lomax, Lenora Shanklin Bertha Tate, Shirley Pitts, Shirley McKinney, Sharon Mallory, Theodore and Brenda Chandler, Angie Satterfield, Amie Evatt, Jenna Morris, Cathy Breeden, Julia Deathridge, Greta Warren, Anita Mink, Tonya and Crystal.

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