Sandra Clara Chandler was granted peace in Paradise on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born September 1, 1948, in Jacksonville, she was the daughter of the late Willie Lee Whipple and Minnie Sarah Whipple.

Sandra completed her early education in Duval County Public Schools and graduated from New Stanton High School, Class of 1965. She attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Beta Alpha Chapter, in 1967, was crowned Miss Junior in 1968, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 1969. She furthered her education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and received a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1978.

In 1970, Sandra married her high school sweetheart, A. C. Chandler, Jr. From their union was born one daughter, Alexis. Sandra and A. C. enjoyed a loving marriage for more than 50 years until A. C.'s passing in 2021.

After teaching for two years in Georgia, Sandra began her employment with Duval County Public Schools, teaching choral music at Ribault Senior High School, Sandalwood Sr. High School, Arlington Middle School, and Wolfson Sr. High School.  She retired in 2005 after rendering over 35 years of dedicated service to the youth of Jacksonville.

Sandra was an active member of Union Community A.M.E. Church, where she served as the Minister of Music for many years, before retiring in 2024. Until the time of her passing, she served as a Trustee of the church.

An active and dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter, Sandra served on many committees. She was a founding member of the Delta Trio and recorded an album with the group. She also sang with the Jacksonville Gospel Chorale and the quartet, Adagio. Additionally, she was a member of the FAMU Alumni Association, JRE Lee Chapter. She was truly devoted alumna and had immense pride to be a part of Rattler Nation. Sandra was passionate about family, music, service to her community, her church, and helping anyone in need. She loved traveling, sharing and fellowshipping over a savory meal, and doting on her only granddaughter, Sarah. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and she was known as the family's beloved songbird.

Those left to continue Sandra's legacy of love and service are her devoted daughter, Alexis C. Chandler-Garrett (Jason); beloved granddaughter, Sarah Chandler Garrett; brother, George W. Whipple, Sr. (Evelyn); sisters-in-law, Lorraine Chandler Walbey and Doris Chandler Flowers; loving nieces, Kaye Celeste Evans and Dionne Flowers Deas (Larry); nephews, Troy M. Flowers (Louise), George W. Whipple, Jr., and Geoffrey Whipple (Cherrelle); grandnieces, grandnephews, other relatives, and loving friends.

Mrs. Chandler's visitation will be on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, 3026 Woodlawn Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32209 from 4:00 p.m. Until 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, 3026 Woodlawn Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 and the Entombment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32204.