Chandi Khan Gilling

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Chandi Khan Gilling-Johnson, who grew up in Chino Hills, California. Chandi died at age 40 on October 7, 2023. She died suddenly at home and left a hole of heavy sadness among family, friends, and others who knew of her.
As a child, Chandi was determined, committed, and an outstanding basketball player before and during her four-year Letterman high school career, garnering a scholarship to San Francisco State University. Ayala High School had never seen a player with such tremendous defensive skills. She guarded the smallest to the tallest scorers, and the team could depend on her to dig them out of difficulties. If they needed a stop in the last seconds of the game, Chandi would deliver it. In the same way, if they needed a point, whatever was required to get that point, Chandi would get it. One of the most challenging games she played during the team's unbeatable forty-game stretch, the headline read,
"Gilling's one shot falls; Ayala' streak doesn't!"
Chandi was a decorated veteran who served her country in the United States Coast Guard for nine years. She earned several military awards, including the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation and Presidential Unit Citation. She loved and appreciated those years and kept them unique in her heart. Chandi shared memorable moments of her travels and conquests about her time in the Coast Guard. Unfortunately, Chandi had to retired from her loved career due to injuries she incurred.
Chandi was quiet, confident, determined, loyal, and lovable. If she loved you, she defended you publicly and privately. Chandi will be missed. She died and left her mother, Linda Coy-Smith; father, Leo Gilling; sister, Casey Ann Gilling Allen; brothers, Stephan Gilling and Tremayne Gilling; her grandmother, Louise Harrison; and multiple friends and family members. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Chandi, please visit our Tree Store.