Barbara Chandler

She was born on November 12, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to the loving parents Ruel and Gladys Clark, who began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad when Barbara was just a young child. Growing up, she experienced life in various Texas towns, including Sanderson, Pumpville, and Dryden.

Barbara's academic excellence shone as she graduated as the Valedictorian from Sanderson High School in 1951. Following her graduation, she pursued a career in nursing at the Baptist Memorial School of Nursing in San Antonio, where she earned her Registered Nurse designation. On March 2, 1954, she joyfully married her high school sweetheart, Leslie Gene Chandler, and their love story spanned an impressive 61 years.

Together, Barbara and Leslie Gene raised three children: Debra Chandler James, Leslie Gene Chandler II, and Dewayne Clark Chandler. Mrs. Chandler was a devoted member of the Parkview Church of Christ in Odessa, Texas, where she actively participated in the women's jail ministry and taught ladies Bible classes.

In her free time, Barbara enjoyed road trips across the United States with her beloved husband, attending Odessa High School football games, playing Bridge, and visiting her children, grandchildren, and other cherished family members.

Barbara Chandler was preceded in death by her parents, Ruel and Gladys Clark, her husband, Leslie Gene Chandler, her son, Dewayne Clark Chandler, her brother, James Clark, her son-in-law, Larry James, her nephew, Justin Smith, and her granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer James.

Services to celebrate Barbara's life will be held at 10 am on Saturday, October 7, at Parkview Church of Christ in Odessa, with interment to follow in Sanderson, Texas.

Mrs. Chandler is survived by her daughter, Debra James of Athens, Alabama, her son, Leslie Gene Chandler II of Tucson, Arizona, and her sister, Elizabeth Clark-Smith (Mike) of Ft. Collins, Colorado. Barbara was a beloved grandmother and is survived by nine grandchildren: Erin James Wright (Brendan), Seth James, Jared James (Mandy), Nathan James (Ashley), Joshua Chandler (Suzanne), Sarah Chandler Samples (Blake), Riley Chandler Roman (Teresa), Crista Chandler Roman Shabazz (Siddeeq), and Jeremy Chandler Roman (Jenna). She also leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren who adored her: Dylan Wright, Charlize Wright, Asher James Wright, Benjamin James, Elijah James, Makenzie James, Kate James, Chandler James, Wiley Moore, Shelby Moore, Ada Cate Samples, Evan Roman, Ava Simmons, Ezequiel Shabazz, Zaqariah Shabazz, and Hezeqiah Shabazz. In addition, she is survived by her nephew, Forest Smith (Cindy), great-nephews Bryce and Kylle, and daughter-in-law, Ruth Chandler.

Barbara Chandler was an extraordinary wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. Those who had the privilege of knowing her were truly blessed to have had this remarkable Christian example of selfless love and service, following in the footsteps of Jesus.