Mrs. Jerry Purnell Chandler, age 86, of Evergreen, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her two devout and loving daughters.

A compassionate and dedicated woman, Mrs. Chandler devoted 61 years of her life to the healthcare field. She served as a registered nurse for 25 years, touching countless lives with her skill, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others before her retirement.

Mrs. Chandler lived a vibrant and fulfilling life. She enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, gardening, and farming. She was also a talented oil painter, expressing her creativity through her art. Her heart for service extended beyond her community, as she ministered to the residents of Honduras and Africa on numerous medical mission trips, bringing hope and healing to those in need.

Mrs. Chandler was a devoted member of Bower Memorial Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School and Discipleship Training teacher, and Hostess Committee member for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Hazel Weaver Purnell; her husband, James Chandler; her brothers, Guy (Buddy) Purnell and Donald Purnell; and her sister, Kay Pinckard.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Ann (Ricky) Nobles and Susan Chandler, both of Evergreen; one sister, Mary Beth Lee of Brewton; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Ray of Clanton. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Drew (Kristel) Barlow of Red Level, and Haley (Kevin) Falkenberry of Monroeville; and seven great-grandchildren, Koltin, Kyler, Kelly, Kassidy, Kason, and Karolina Barlow of Red Level, and James Daniel Falkenberry of Monroeville, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Special caregivers who held a dear place in her heart include Auga Cobb, Sonja McNeil, Dorothy Quintanilla, and Anna Belle Watson.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM from Bower Memorial Baptist Church, with Rev. Drew Barlow and Rev. Neal Butler officiating. Burial will follow at Welcome Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Koltin and Kyler Barlow, Robert Pinckard, Kevin Falkenberry, Mike Ellis, and Gene Lasley.  Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Lee, Kelly and Kason Barlow, James Daniel Falkenberry, and Luke Watson.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Cope-Keahey Funeral Home in Evergreen and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.

I lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Jerry be sent to Southern Care Hospice of Evergreen or to the Bower Memorial Baptist Church Hostess Committee.