Kathleen Jean Wills Chandler

Kathleen Jean Wills Chandler of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away in her sleep early in the morning of July 8, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her of husband of 27 years, John Hughes Chandler Jr., and by her two beloved daughters, Francis Jean Chandler and Claire Champion Chandler. She also leaves behind her mother, Jean H. Wills Lynn, and two of her brothers, David Andrew Wills and Frank J. Wills III, all of Little Rock, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank J. Wills, Jr. and by a brother, Ed Watkins (Watty) Wills. Kathleen was born and grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from Central High School, she attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where she met her husband John, and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She loved her time at Rhodes, and was very grateful for the life-long friends she made there. Upon graduating from Rhodes, she worked as the Regional Manager of the Dillard's Travel Agency until she and John had their first child, Francis. Following her marriage to John, she lived in Memphis and in Jackson, Tennessee for many years until her recent return to Memphis. She was a member of the Little Rock Junior League, Memphis Junior League, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jackson. She worked tirelessly for many charitable organizations. Kathleen was always lucky in her friends and associations. She especially loved her golf girls and tennis buddies. She was friendly, vivacious, quick as a whip and had a keen sense of humor. Kathleen made friends easily, to whom she generally became devoted. All will miss her remarkable natural talents as a terrific organizer, gracious hostess, and talented decorator. These skills made every endeavor a rewarding and memorable event. Her greatest treasure was her family. John was steady and true, and she loved him deeply. Francis and Claire, the apples of her eye, were a source of constant joy to her and she was very proud of their accomplishments. Her best friend was her mother. In all these respects, she was rich beyond measure. Services will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church of Memphis, on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation at the Church following the service. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock on Monday, July 13, 2105 at 11 a.m. The family requests that memorials be directed to Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.