Memorial services for Sylvia Gilliland Chandler, age 89, of Decatur, GA, will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST, at Decatur First Baptist Church in Decatur, GA.

Ms. Chandler passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Survivors include: two sisters, Ginny Fikes (Jerry) of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Kay Stevenson of England; three granddaughters, Pamala Saraiva, Danielle Mickey, and Katherine Chandler; two great-granddaughters; three great-grandsons; three beloved nephews, Jed Stevenson, Wilkes Coleman, and Johnny Coleman; beloved niece, Caroline Carownover.

Born in LaGrange, Georgia, on February 20, 1937, Ms. Chandler is the daughter of Thomas J. and Peggy Jenkins Gilliland.  She was a member of Decatur First Baptist Church and loved Jesus.  Ms. Chandler was the homecoming queen at Handley High School in 1954.  Early in her marriage, Sylvia and her husband worked with refugees coming across the border from East Germany.  She was president of her class all four years at Judson College.  She taught English and English as a second language and was voted teacher of the year in Dekalb County. Ms. Chandler was active in Scottish country dancing and many choral groups.  She was a loving sister and friend to so many.  After the loss of her two children, Elizabeth Chandler and Joseph Chandler, she was determined to live life with as much joy as possible.