Carol Marie Chandler

Carol Marie Chandler (Bolden) was born December 30, 1939, in the Harlem District of Manhattan, NY. She was the daughter of Paul Jones and Marie Bolden (James). Carol attended Harriet Beecher Stowe Public School 136, and Charles Evans Hughes High School in Manhattan, NY. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of New Rochelle, and her Master of Science and Education degree from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn NY. Amazingly, she accomplished both while raising her children. Carol met her future husband, Willie, in the late 50s in New York. They married in 1959, and remained married for 60 years. Together, they raised 5 boys in Brooklyn, NY. As a loving wife and mother while raising her energetic boys, Carol worked for a period of time as a supermarket cashier, while serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother. As the years passed, she continued her education and became a Teaching Paraprofessional, Elementary and Special Education Teacher and Administrator in the New York City Public School System for 34 years. Carol was a Born Again Christian and believed strongly in prayer for her family and others. She was a faithful and enthusiastic member of New Frontier Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY for many years. Carol and Willie later became faithful members of Redeeming Love Christian Center in Nanuet, NY. Carol and Willie moved to Florence, SC in 2000. As a new resident of Florence, Carol's love for children, learning and teaching presented her with an opportunity to teach at Choices Charter School under the leadership of Ralph Porter. Carol received a certificate from the South Carolina Independent School Association in recognition of completion of coursework. Some few years later, Carol was offered an opportunity to teach at Greenwood Elementary School, which she graciously accepted. In addition to her class room hours, she provided private tutoring in her home before retiring from education in 2009. After arriving in Florence, Carol became a faithful member of The Redemption Outreach Church ("The ROC"), under the Pastoral Leadership of Reverend Stan Kennedy. Carol sang in the choir, and served as a faithful volunteer on various church committees. When the ROC joined forces with Christian Assembly Church in Florence, SC, Carol continued volunteering to serve wherever and whenever she was needed for service. Carol loved ministerial work and introduced many people from all walks of life to the joy of the Lord. One of Carol's favorite humorous exhortations was "Halleluyer!", channeling Tyler Perry's infamous character Madea. She was an avid fan of The Golden Girls television show, was an avid and enthusiastic shopper, loved to cook and eat good food, and loved Gospel and Motown music, to which she was always quick to dance. Carol was also a long-time seamstress, having created many fashions for her children, family members and friends. Always quick to dispense words of encouragement, Carol never turned away anyone who was in need of an ear, prayer and a shoulder to lean on. Carol departed this life on September 10, 2020. Left to cherish precious memories are sons Kevin T. Chandler, Arnold P. Chandler, Ronald S. Chandler, Willie James Chandler, III, Victor H. Chandler, grandchildren Christopher Chandler, Daryl Chandler, Sean Martin, Arnold Chandler, Jr., Victor Chandler, Jr., Danielle Martin, Lauren Chandler, TraciMarie Chandler, Austin Chandler, Brandon Chandler, Ethan Chandler Roy, great-grandaughters Jaelynn Nicole Chandler, Sakiyna-Innsaei Martin and Salayha Noracynth Martin, sisters Diana Charles (Bolden) and Adell Dawson, and a host of family and friends. Carol was preceded in passing by her three brothers, Robert Bolden, Allan Bolden and Joseph Bolden. Mom/Nana/Sissy/Miss Carol will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.