Janell Chandler

Sara Janell Massey Chandler (Janell)

Janell Chandler passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2015 in Dalton. Mrs. Chandler was born February 5, 1926 in Commerce, Georgia, the daughter of W.N.C. (“Curt”) Massey and Hattie Short Massey, and was the youngest of seven children. She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel Chandler, who passed away January 19, 2013.

Janell and Dan moved to Dalton in 1949 where Dan joined Patcraft Mills in the early days of the carpet industry. Janell said when she moved to Dalton from Athens, Georgia, she thought she had fallen off the edge of the earth. They joined the First Baptist Church, where they remained active and dedicated members. Mrs. Chandler was a member of the Faith Sunday School Class.

She will always be remembered as one of the first kindergarten teachers in Dalton, teaching at First Baptist Church Kindergarten from the late 1950’s until she retired in the 1980’s. She was a beloved teacher for many generations of Dalton’s children, and often said she never had a bad student. She loved her family very much and enjoyed needlework, gardening and “antiquing” with friends. She enjoyed hosting friends and family in her home and always had a great sense of humor and love for hijinks, which earned her the nickname “Jinx” with her brothers, sisters, and cousins.

Janell is survived by her children Susan Chandler Lumpkin (Dr. William H. Lumpkin) of Dalton, Jeff Chandler (Donna Morea) of Royal Oak, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren David Lee Lumpkin (Caroline) of Rome, GA, Liz Lumpkin of Dalton, Emily Chandler (Hiram Navarrete) of Easton, MD, and Adam Chandler of McLean, VA, and her great-grandchildren Julia Lumpkin and Lidia Navarrete. Janell is also survived by her brother Frank Norman Massey of Roanoke, VA, and sister Everett Massey Milford of Commerce, GA. The family also greatly appreciates Mrs. Chandler’s caregivers, Eloise Griffin, Maria Thomas, Elona Bender, Keysia Robbs, and Amedisys Hospice and Hamilton Hospice.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Janell Chandler will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, August 9 in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Ireland officiating. The family will receive friends in the Atrium of the Church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. First Baptist Church is located at 311 North Thornton Avenue. The family request either flowers or a donation to First Baptist Church.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave. Dalton is in charge of arrangements.