Obituary of Wilma Jeanette Chandler
Wilma Jeanette Johnson was born on May 20, 1941 in Birdine, Kentucky. She was one of eight children born to Creed and Ada Johnson. As a teenager, Wilma, moved with her family to Southeast Michigan. One fateful St. Patrick’s Day evening she met her future husband, Roger Chandler, at the Starlight Lounge. They were joined in marriage on July 11, 1964 in Ecorse, Michigan. The couple enjoyed fifty-eight years of marriage and were blessed with three children.
Wilma took great pride in her appearance and never left home without her lipstick and a spritz of Estee Lauder perfume. She loved to shop and frequently visited her favorite store, J.L. Hudson, to peruse the clothes and cosmetics. Wilma also enjoyed dining out, especially at Red Lobster. Although she made the best spaghetti, Wilma was always willing to make a special meal of porkchops and fried potatoes for her daughter who didn’t like pasta. On special occasions, Wilma, baked her famous “Million Dollar Pie” a wonderful treat for all.
Wilma and Roger shared a love for country music and attended many concerts together. They were fortunate enough to have seen Kenny Chesney in Nashville, Tennessee before he was a known musician. An Elvis fan, Wilma was proud to have seen The King of Rock and Roll perform live at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. The Chandler’s enjoyed traveling to Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and as far South as Florida. They also visited Alpena, Michigan annually to enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes. Wilma was a social person and frequently phoned and visited her sisters and close friends. Many wonderful memories were made playing the game, Yahtzee, with her kids. Wilma had a great sense of humor which contributed to her always being the life of the party.
Wilma Jeanette Chandler, of Newport, Michigan passed away peacefully on her 81st birthday, Friday, May 20, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her parents; two sisters: Eileen Blair and Sue Freeman; a brother: Bob Johnson; a sister-in-law: Julie Johnson; and brothers-in-law: Jim Blair, Bo Johnson, and Malone.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband: Roger Chandler; three children: Cece (Todd) Gillette of Kansas City, Missouri, Steve (Judy) Chandler of Commerce Township, Michigan, and Kelly (Dan) Carter of Westland, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Lindsay (Mike) Case, Christopher Preston, Hannah Chandler, Vincent Chandler, Sophia Chandler, Estella Chandler, and Joshua Carter; three great grandchildren: Kaden Preston, Hannah Case, and Hadessah Case; two sisters: Faye Johnson and Judy Malone; two brothers: Tim Johnson and Tom (Rose) Johnson; and close friends for many decades: Pam Mctigue, Mary Johnston, and Mary Blackburn.
