Ellen Chandler

Mrs. Ellen Mae Gambrell Chandler was born on August 8, 1927, to the late Thomas Jefferson Gambrell and Lena Brown Gambrell in Greenville County, SC. After the death of her mother, Ellen Mae was raised by her aunt and uncle the late John and Hattie Hill. On May 10, 1943, she was united in holy matrimony to William Henry Chandler who preceded her in death. To this union, three sons were born: William Thompson Chandler, Sr., Maxie Chandler and the late Samuel (Christine) Chandler.

Ellen Mae was affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Mother” and great-great grandchildren as “Nana.” She gave her life to Christ around the age of 12 at Long Branch Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member for over 70 years. She loved to sing praises to the Lord with her golden alto voice. She was a member of The Traveling 3 gospel singing group. They sang praises throughout Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. She was also a member of the Senior Choir at Long Branch Baptist Church for many years. In addition to these two groups, she joined another gospel singing group called The Friendly Four with the late Jannie Rice, Juanita Dirton, and Mary Ruth Gambrell. These powerful singers sang all over the Upstate and were known for their soulful harmony and amazing ability to usher in the Holy Spirit when singing their powerful rendition of songs like “Lord, I Got Heaven on My Mind,” “Steal Away” and Ellen Mae’s favorite, “Remember Me.” They sang for many years until Ellen Mae’s health began to fail.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, William Thompson (Christine) Chandler Sr., of Graniteville, SC and Maxie Chandler of the home; one brother, Maxie (Willie Mae) Gambrell of Philadelphia, PA; five grandchildren, Pamela Chandler of Greenville, SC, William T (Reimonda) Chandler Jr., of North Augusta, SC, Landis (Yolanda) Maddox of Fayetteville, NC, Christa Williams of Aiken, SC, and Tina Brown of Greenville, SC; ten great-grandchildren, Jamika (Jeremy) Nedwards (raised in the home), Raven Jamison of Lithonia, GA, Courtney Maddox and Brittany Maddox of Fayetteville, NC, Corlyn Chandler of Charlotte, NC, Mathew Holmes of North Augusta, SC, Chanelle Williams of Aiken, SC and Tamaria Williams of Knoxville, TN and Torrey Brown of Greenville, SC; one sister-in-law, Mattie Chandler of Greenville, SC; ten great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.