Alfreda LaVerne Chandler

Alfreda LaVern Chandler, 87, departed this life on May 3, 2014 to join her husband, Fielden S. Chandler; her beloved grandson, Stephen DeLowell; and her adopted son, Sterling Smith. Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend was born in St. Louis, MO on March 6, 1927 to Oscar and Nellie Henley. She moved to Chicago, IL in 1930 and later joined Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Chicago. While attending DuSable High School, she met Fielden and they married on May 10, 1947. The couple had two daughters, Donna and Anita Chandler. Their ministry at Corpus Christi included transporting the nuns and priests for groceries and supplies. Alfreda always enjoyed entertaining in her home. Working for over 20 years for the Illinois Bell Telephone Company allowed Alfreda to win kudos, as she achieved supervisory status. This was rare at the time for women, especially women of color. Always politically and socially active, she continued her civic and community support when she relocated to Richmond, VA in 1973. She volunteered with the Hechler Village Civic Association and for several political candidates, including the late, Tony Mehfoud. For years, she devoted her time and efforts transporting members of the Richmond Federation of the Blind and facilitated Bingo for the Blind. Alfreda joined St. John’s Catholic Church in 1973 and has been a member of the Women’s Council, chaired the telephone committee, volunteered at the Henrico Health Care Center for Bingo every Friday, and attended the Holy Family Retreat in Hampton for years. In 1995, the Disabled American Veterans’ Commander’s Club honored her for her devotion and generosity. In 1999 and 2000, Alfreda received Certificates of Appreciation for her valuable contribution given to Henrico Health Care Center over the years. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, daughters, Donna DeLowell, Anita Graves, and Alfreida Smith (Sterling); granddaughters, Angela Spranger (Keith), Dr. Stephanie Gallop (George); great-grandsons, Karl and Stephen Gallop; cousin, Harvey Chandler (Jeanette); and a host of friends. Special thanks to nephew, Jerry Talley (Joyce); VCU House Calls, and Doctor Marie Geraldo. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 8 from 5-8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA. Funeral Services will be conducted Friday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, 813 W Nine Mile Rd., Highland Springs, VA. In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at nelsenrichmond.com. Arrangements under the direction of Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory, Richmond, VA.