MCGEHEE — Joyce Wareing Chandler
of McGehee, Ark., passed peacefully in her sleep on December 22, 2020.
She was born April 10, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, to the Rev. Joel Matlock Wareing and Pauline Taylor Wareing.
Her father was a Methodist minister who served congregations across Ohio before becoming an Army Chaplain during World War II and moving the family to Washington, D.C.
A graduate of Wellesley College in Boston, Mass., Joyce brought energy and focus to everything she did in a well-traveled life filled with children, art and faith.
As a devoted mother of three, Joyce spent many years as scout leader, artist and homemaker. In her later years, Joyce established herself as a successful picture framer; first in Pueblo, Colo., and later in northern Virginia, where her work now hangs in the Pentagon as well as in the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. She also had passion for art and pursued many mediums throughout her life.
Joyce lived in 23 cities in 10 states throughout her lifetime. Her Presbyterian faith remained a constant part of her life in various communities. She was a church elder and treasurer for congregations everywhere she lived as an adult.
She was an avid community servant, teaching art classes during her time in McGehee, volunteering at local libraries in multiple cities and delivering food to the elderly through Meals on Wheels.
An enthusiastic genealogist, Joyce traced her family roots back to a textile mill in Liverpool, England. Her ancestors included Revolutionary War soldiers and a distinguished line of Methodist scholars and preachers, including her father.
In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her brothers Joel T. Wareing and Richard B. Wareing.
She is survived by her three children: Curt Chandler (Stacie) of Philipsburg, Pa.; Cindy Smith (Don) of McGehee, Ark.; and Chris Chandler (Tammy) of Loveland, Colo.; Grandchildren Toby Eckmann (Kate) of Bethel Park, Pa.; Molly Chandler Campe (Brian) of Bloomfield, NJ; Natalie Hite (Josh) of Cave Springs, Ark.; Vincent Chandler of Denver, Colo.; Taylor Smith of Little Rock, Ark.; Madeline Chandler of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Kylie Chandler of Loveland, Colo.; and Alexa Chandler of New York, N.Y.; great grandchildren James and Olivia Hite of Cave Springs, Ark.; Logan and Chandler Campe of Bloomfield, N.J.; and Zooey Chandler of Denver, Colo.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 26 at First Presbyterian Church in McGehee with Janet Wilson and Rev. Charles Graham officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of McGehee, 302 N. Fourth Street, McGehee, Ark., 71654 or McGehee Branch Library, 211 N. Fourth Street, McGehee, Ark., 71654. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Services of McGehee, Ark. Online guest book may be signed at www.griffinculpepper.com.