Dr. Chandra T. Oaks-Garcia

Dr. Chandra Telisa Oaks-Garcia was born March 26, 1962 in Mobile, Alabama, to Clara Oaks-Hill and Major Allen. A devoted wife, mother of four (4), grandmother of seven (7), sister, Soror, and friend. Chandra was quick to give and slow to ask. She was a caregiver by nature; one to offer timely advice or tough coaching when necessary. While small-framed, her presence in any room could always be felt; accompanied with a comforting personality and an infectious laugh that would make the most shy of us open up.

A Career Educator with over 26 years in Hampton City Schools, the Founder/CEO of Time Out 4U, Inc., the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Foundation's Treasurer, and a Board Member for the Virginia Air and Space Museum; Dr. Chandra's list of personal and professional accomplishments [is voluminous]. Her true life's work and passion though, was strengthening the school-to-career pipeline for underrepresented populations in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This was not an academic exercise for her; but a challenge worth accepting as she decided to address it head-on through her entrepreneurial endeavors. Over a 12 year journey as the Founder and CEO of Time Out 4U, Inc., Dr. Chandra distributed thousands of dollars in scholarships and touched thousands of students lives in Hampton Roads and beyond - through her involvement with universities and other non-profits such as Hampton University, Michigan State University, the National Society of Black Physicists to name a few. She was especially focused on the plight of Black American Female and their unique paths towards STEM careers; this formed the basis of her Dissertation in securing her Doctorate at Old Dominion University. As she often remarked to inspire and to motivate others; "S.S.R - Smart Sisters Rock."

And yet, her contributions were not limited to just her professional and academic achievements. An active Church Member of Zion Baptist Church in Hampton, Va. since the early 1990s - she played a pivotal role in the Church's growth across multiple functions. Chandra served as the President of the Senior Ministry, Church Secretary, a Trustee, managed Bus Transportation, and participated in Women's Ministry.

Above all, Chandra cherished her time with her sons and her grandchildren. Time at "Mamacita's" house was always a most special occasion and served as the center of gravity for family reunification, healing, and laughter. Never one to sit around, she was quick to get the newest grandchild walking, eating solids and potty-trained! She was loved dearly and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her husband, Johnny A. Garcia Sr., her four children, the "Boys," Roderick D. Oaks-Bey, Johnny A. Garcia II (Stephanie), Wesley M. Garcia (Chelsea), and Carlos M. Garcia; her sister, Patrice Rush James and her brothers, Marcus Oaks (Stephanie),and Thomas Hill III; her sister in-laws, Karen Oaks; 7-grandchildren, Isyss London, Telisa Oaks, Clara Garcia, Stephen Garcia, Wesley Garcia, Alexandria Garcia, and Elijah Oaks; and 2-great grandchildren, Major London and Kaizen Brown.

She will be fondly remembered by her nieces, for whom she reserved a special place in heart and often referred to as her "girls;" as well as many nephews and great- nieces, great-nephews, cousins and close friends.

Chandra was preceded in death by her mother Clara Oaks-Hill, father Major Allen, sister Mardwena Hill, and nephew Clarance Hill.

Dr. Chandra Oaks-Garcia passed on January 22, 2026. While no longer with us physically, her legacy continues in the many souls that she touched and her spirit will forever reside in our hearts.

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