Mrs. Anna Phillips Chandler

Anna Phillips Chandler passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Foothills Retirement Community in Easley, SC. Born to Clarence and Phronie Phillips in Sumter, SC, Anna was a graduate of Mayewood High School and Coker College. From an early age, she developed a lifelong love for history, gardening, her church, and helping others. These interests shaped both her career and her many community commitments. A devoted member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, Anna faithfully served in numerous roles throughout her life. She was a leader of the Women of the Church and taught both adult and children’s Sunday School classes as well as a Vacation Bible School. She proudly served as Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was instrumental in helping establish the Lee County Archives and the Cotton Museum. She served Lee County with distinction as a Summary Court Judge and later as a social worker with the Department of Social Services, where her compassion, fairness, and steady leadership touched many lives. An active member of the Lee County Garden Club, Anna found great joy in gardening, particularly her beautiful rose garden. She also cherished time with her family and loved cheering on Clemson sports—rarely missing an opportunity to support the Tigers. Anna loved to paint, especially with her friends. You could find her paintings all over her house and in the homes of people she loved. She was known for her bridge card skills both in Bishopville and at Foothills Retirement Community. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 64 years, Archie H. Chandler Jr.; and her siblings: Billy K. Phillips (Virginia), Clarence “Red” Phillips Jr. (Elina), Ashton Phillips (Lavonne), Jane Hodge (Norman), and Carolyn Hendrickson (Charles). She is survived by her son, Archie “Trey” Chandler III(Norma); her grandchildren, Madeline Chandler Howard (Parker), Mary Chandler Gragg (Jacob), and Matthew Chandler; and her treasured great-granddaughter, Mary Charlotte Howard (Madeline and Parker), who brought her great joy. The family extends heartfelt thanks to her friends and staff at the Foothills Retirement Community for their kindness, friendship, and devoted care. Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, Mr Don Mathis, Treasurer, 145 Coopers Mill Road, Bishopville, SC 29010. A funeral service to honor her life will be held at 3 o’clock on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Michael Sorrell and Rev. Mary Morrison will officiate the service, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. The directors of Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home are caring for the family.

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Mrs. Anna Phillips Chandler

February 25, 1941 - January 9, 2026