Patricia Diane “Di” Chandler, of Middleton, TN, passed away after battling long-term illness on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Di was born on November 22, 1958, the oldest of three daughters. She lived in Hardeman County for most of her 68 years. And though illness was her near constant companion for many of those years, she lived a full and happy life.
Di married Terry Chandler on June 14, 1975. Their love for and devotion to each other, as well as their faith in their Lord, carried them through many years. From the everyday joys and struggles of marriage to the heartbreak of infertility and a life-altering accident. They were separated only by his death, January 26, 2009.
Before illness made it impossible for her to work full-time, Di had a few different jobs, but perhaps her favorite was her time as the Activities Director at Pleasant View Skilled Nursing Facility. She loved planning and coordinating events and activities for the residents that helped them heal and feel cared for.
Di was a natural at caring for others all her life. She loved in a way that leaves a mark on a person’s soul. Her legacy will be carried on by her sisters, Charlotte Watkins and husband Ricky of Hickory Valley, TN; Debra Howell and husband Dwade or Middleton, TN; her nieces, nephews and nieces/nephews-in-love (she always chose “in-love” over “in-law”), Adam Howell and the late Kristy Howell of Bernie, MO; Katie and Brian Eppers of Jacksonville, FL; Jared Watkins of Hickory Valley, TN; Jacob Watkins and Daniel Watkins of Middleburg, TN; Caleb Watkins of Jacksonville, FL; her great nieces and nephews, Alix Eppers, Jaden and Leyla Eppers of Jacksonville, FL; Allyson and Kayleigh Watkins of Bolivar, TN; Chris Sutton of Bernie, MO; and her great-great niece Eliza Dove Eppers of Jacksonville, FL. She loved being “Aunt Di!”
She was preceded in death by her precious infant sister Joyce Ann McDonald; her three infants lost in pregnancy, Benjamin Terry Chandler and two other precious souls; her parents, Van and Thelma McDonald; her husband Terry Chandler; and her mother-in-love and stepfather-in-love Gladys and George Porter.
Any who wish to make a donation in her name may direct funds to the Brint’s Chapel Cemetery Fund.
