Clayton C. Chandler

Memorial Service

Friday November 28, 2025 @ 1 P.M

Murray Brothers Funeral Home Cascade Chapel

Interment: West View Cemetery

Celebration of Life for Clayton Marie Copeland Chandler

Clayton Marie Copeland Chandler was born on December 10, 1942, in Darlington, South Carolina, the beloved only child of Joseph Cyrus Copeland and Mary Louise Copeland (née Cannon). The family later settled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Clayton was raised in a home built by her grandfather-a place filled with history, pride, and the values that shaped her life. Both of her parents began their careers as insurance agents, and her mother would later become an elementary school principal, modeling the dedication to education that Clayton carried forward.

Clayton attended Mary H. Wright Elementary School and Carver High School. Upon her graduation, she left South Carolina to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education in 1964. After a brief period working for the United States Post Office, she felt called to continue her academic journey. She enrolled at Georgia State University, where she completed her master's degree in Library and Information Sciences. During her graduate studies, she became a proud and committed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., embracing the sisterhood and its mission of scholarship, service, and excellence.

Following her graduate training, Clayton began her career as an interim librarian, serving at four different schools in her first year. She was then assigned to Carver High School until the Atlanta Public School System initiated citywide faculty integration. She next joined Sylvan High School as librarian, where she remained until 1973. It was at Sylvan that she met the love of her life, Coach Johnny Walter Chandler. Their connection was effortless and enduring. Clayton later transitioned to Mays High School, where she served with distinction for nearly twenty years. She and Johnny were married on April 8, 1977, and together they welcomed one cherished daughter, Candice Copeland Chandler.

Clayton retired in 2000 and continued to embody grace, leadership, and community spirit. She became an active and beloved member of her neighborhood association, the Smart Set Club, and the ETUCS Bridge Club-organizations in which she forged lasting friendships and frequently opened her home to host dinners, gatherings, and celebrations.

Though gentle in demeanor, Clayton possessed an extraordinary inner strength. She carried herself with quiet dignity, unwavering determination, and the steady resolve of someone deeply grounded in who she was. These qualities were evident throughout her life, but shone most brightly during her courageous battle with breast cancer in 2012-a challenge she faced and overcame with resilience, grace, and unshakable faith.

In 2019, Clayton moved to Newnan, Georgia, to live with her daughter and family. Her retirement years were filled with joy and enrichment. She loved traveling, gardening, playing cards, and reading, especially the mystery and romance novels that captured her vivid imagination. Her quick wit, sharp intellect, and warm, melodic laugh made her a treasured presence in every space she entered.

Clayton was preceded in death by her loving parents and, in 2018, by her devoted husband, Johnny. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Candice Chandler (Wilkins), her son-in-law, James H. Wilkins Jr., her granddaughter, Jasrah Divine Chandler-Fuller, and her grandson, Jamal Clayton Chandler-Fuller. She also leaves behind extended family members and a host of dear friends whose lives were touched by her elegance, compassion, and steadfast love.

Her life was full, her love was deep, and her legacy endures in all who had the privilege of knowing her.