Ethel Lynda Chandler, 54, beloved wife of Bennie Sample and a resident of Onancock, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, surrounded by her loving family and friends. As those here on earth mourn her loss, we rejoice in her being reunited with loved ones that passed before her.
Born March 7, 1963, in Nassawadox, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Sr. and Ethel Chandler.
Ethel was a graduate of Onancock High School and Eastern Shore Community College, where she received her nursing degree. Ethel worked at Eastern Correctional Institute in Westover, Maryland, as a registered nurse. She worked until her health began to fail.
Ethel enjoyed life, and all who were ever in her company could see this. She was a person with a giving heart, no one was ever a stranger to her. Her love for children and their education was her top priority. She enjoyed coordinating weddings and baby showers, this was her lifelong passion. Ethel loved having family functions just to have family together. Her love of family, and their love of her, will forever be admired and treasured in many hearts.
She was an active member in her church on the usher board until her health started to decline. When standing at the door at Macedonia A.M.E. Church, there was always a smile on her face when greeting people entering the church. When sickness began to enter her body, she was not able to stand the whole time, she was seen still trying to do the work of the Lord. Ethel realize through it all, the joy of the Lord was through her strength.
Ethel was a member of Bright and Morning Star #40, Order of the Eastern Star.
She was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Kenneth and George.
Ethel leaves to cherish her fondest memories: her dedicated and faithful husband of seven years, Bennie Sample; two sons, Phillip (Tammy) Chandler and Tony Weeks; adopted daughter through love, Syreeta Elmore; children, Benny (Yuka) Sample Jr., DeMichael Burton, Laquanet Burton, Janice Ballard, Taishawania (Angelo) Perkins, and April (Marty) Walker; sisters, Veronica (Wayne) Jaynes of Street, MD, Deborah (Claude) Anderson of Mulliga Hill, NJ, and Phyllis (Christopher) Downing of Eden, MD; brothers; Ernest, Jr. (Sandra) of New Church, VA, Nathaniel (Vincintia) of Woodbury, NJ, and Phillip (Joan) of Onancock, VA; spiritual mother, Sophia Garris; special friends, Tammy Ward, Gracie Chandler, and Sandra Nottingham Chandler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethel Lynda Sample (Chandler), please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
