Dorothy Jean Chandler

Jean Chandler, as she was known to family and friends, passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 11, 2017 at the age of 79. She was born in Houston, TX on August 4, 1937. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years James Carroll Chandler, parents Jesse Earl and Leona (Gerloff) Thomas, Aunts and Uncles Ruth and Camile Valentin and MaryAnn and Earl Gerloff and brother Jesse Earl Thomas Jr. She is survived by her daughter Jeri (Greg) Platt, grandchildren Kevin (Kelly) Platt and Carolyn (Caldwell) Lucas. Stepdaughters Linda (David) Bryant and her children Stephanie (Brian) Crowe and their daughter Eva and Joshua Fancher, Carol (Gary) Millhollon and children Brandon (Cristie) Carpenter and their son Mitchell and Jonathan Millhollon and Audrey Anderson and her children Natalie and Evan Anderson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Justine Thomas and nephew Clay Thomas, cousins Ellen and Bill Gerloff and numerous friends.

Jean moved with her family to San Antonio at an early age where she attended Riverside Park Elementary, Paige Jr. High and Brackenridge High School. During high school she was a member of the Purple Jackets drill team and the Rainbow Girls. Years later she enjoyed attending her high school reunions where she would catch up with classmates, many of whom she went to school with from 1st thru 12th grade. She especially enjoyed her 60th reunion in 2015 where she was near the last to leave! Following high school she began work, married and started her family. Unfortunately that marriage was not meant to be.

Jean moved to Houston in 1967 where she met the love of her life, Jim Chandler, and they were married Dec. 1968. Jim and Jean spent ten wonderful years living at Crystal Beach, TX where they learned to square dance and wrangle a couple of horses. They enjoyed walks on the beach with their dogs, gardening and playing with their grandchildren. After Jim’s passing Jean returned to Houston finally settling at Tarrytowne Estates where she and her little dog, Maddie, continued to live life to its fullest. Jean was a member of Ascension Episcopal Church and PEO Chapter EP in Houston. Jean always had a smile for everyone and never met a stranger. We will miss her dearly.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses of Houston Methodist West Hospital for their loving care over the years. They would also like to thank the team with Vitas Hospice for their care, concern and support in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jean’s memory to Ascension Episcopal Church, Camp For All (10500 Northwest Freeway #220, Houston, TX 77092, Attn: Belinda Munsell) or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service celebrating Jean’s life will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Ascension Episcopal Church, 2525 Seagler, Houston, TX 77042 with a reception following the service in the Parish Life Building.