Lila Ann Chandler passed away Saturday May 20, 2023 in her home in Weir, Mississippi. Mrs. Chandler was born on April 12, 1942 to Young Pigeon and Bessie Mae Romedy Dempsey. She had a humble upbringing. As a child, her parents taught her to work hard. She spent her days picking cotton before catching the school bus then tending to house work once she arrived back home.
While Lila’s family initially lived in Winston County, they later moved to California for a short period before returning to Mississippi where they purchased a home in Choctaw County. It was soon thereafter she would meet the love of her life, Robert William Chandler, Sr. She attended Weir High School where she was a cheerleader and voted Miss Personality by her peers. She graduated in 1960 and on June 18th of that same year she and Robert exchanged vows. They were married 56 years and had two children, Robert William Chandler, Jr. (Robby) and Teresa Lynn Chandler Russ.
Following her marriage, Lila began her career as a seamstress at Ackerman Shirt Factory. In 1969, she saw an opportunity when a local business in Weir became available. Lila and Robert acquired their first grocery store from Winfield Black. With fierce determination, Lila poured her heart into the business, considering it her true passion. When asked by Joe Wade if she knew what she was doing, she humbly replied, “No sir, but I will work.” And work she did! Over the years she and Robert expanded their ventures, owning multiple grocery stores across Mississippi and Alabama, along with 2 clothing boutiques, a Dollar General, and a rental property leased by the United States Post Office. With the success she found through hard work and dedication, she was always proud of her modest upbringing and cherished her roots.
Lila actively contributed to her community, serving as a board member for Regions Bank of Ackerman and as a member of the Choctaw County Economic Board in the early 1990s. Her lobbying efforts to include Choctaw County as a potential site for a coal and power plant by TVA power utility industry proved successful, with the county being chosen, and the plant remains operational today.
Throughout her life, Lila welcomed numerous distinguished visitors to her home, including college and university presidents, TVA board members, lieutenant governors, state governors, the United States Secretary of the Navy, and an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. However, the visitors she treasured most were her friends and family who visited her daily. She adored her home and the companionship of her friends. In her recent days, she enjoyed the comfort of her home, engaging in lively conversations and visits with loved ones. Lila deeply cherished the ones who checked in with her each day, whether through a phone call or a car ride to Ackerman Supervalu, where they would share laughter, chat, and savor a hot lunch prepared in the deli.
Her 7 grandchildren had a special place in her heart, and Mama Lila’s house was always a source of excitement and joy for them. Her shenanigans with her grandkids were so well known that even their friends would want to go with them to visit just to experience what she had in store for them.
Lila is survived by her son Robert (Robby) William Chandler Jr. and his wife Diana of Ackerman, MS; her daughter Teresa Chandler Russ and her husband Tim of Florence, AL; her seven grandchildren: Josey (Stacey) Stricklin, Katelyn (Michael) Rhodes, Ann Marie (Taylor) Carney, Erin Chandler, Chandler Russ, Christian (Grace) Russ, and Matthew (Julie) Russ, and ten great-grandchildren: Trenton, Bryson, Tyson, Madalyn, Brynlee, Greyson, Isaiah, Miles, Charlotte, and Olivia.
She was proceeded in death by her mother Bessie, father Young, husband Robert, and her siblings Garland, Paul Bruce, and Bonnie Sue.
Visitation will be held at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS on Tuesday, May 23 from 5:00pm-8:00pm, and the service will be at the Weir Presbyterian Church at 11:00am Wednesday, May 24. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.