LaDonna F. Chandler, known affectionately as Donna to her friends and family, was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. Born on September 14, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Donna stepped into eternity on October 30, 2025, in Austin, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service.
Donna's journey began in the heart of Oklahoma, where she grew up surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit community. After graduating from US Grant High School in 1965, she furthered her education at Austin Community College, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills that would serve her well throughout her life. On June 2, 1968, she married her devoted husband, Jim David Chandler, in a beautiful ceremony at Grace Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership, lasting 57 incredible years.
Together, Donna and Jim were blessed with two wonderful children, Kristalyn and David and their spouses Ryan and Janet. Donna was a pillar of strength and support, always present at their sporting events and cheering them on through every milestone. She extended this unwavering support to her beloved grandchildren, Rhett, Reid, Reagan, and Michael, whose lives she enriched with her presence and love.
Professionally, Donna was the epitome of dedication and excellence. She began her career as an Administrative Assistant at Champlin Oil Company, seamlessly transitioning with the company when the couple moved to Texas. Later, she became an Executive Administrative Assistant at a Law Office in
Round Rock, Texas. There, she was the heartbeat of the office, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and maintaining strong relationships with local judges and attorneys.
As a pastor's spouse, Donna was deeply involved in the life of the church. She played an instrumental role in the council of Oak preschool at Round Rock United Methodist Church during its formative years. Her quiet yet profound spirituality was evident in her service to the church and the community, always working behind the scenes to support her husband's ministry.
Donna's interests and talents were as varied as they were impressive. A member of several quilting groups, she crafted beautiful quilts for children's hospitals, turning fabric and thread into small masterpieces that brought comfort and joy to many. Donna was also a fabulous cook whose recipes were a testament to her love for her family. Her spirituality was deep and quiet; she didn't just talk about her faith-she lived it every day, embodying the Christian values of love, kindness, and selflessness.
Intelligent, thoughtful, and selfless-these words only begin to describe the extraordinary woman that was Donna Chandler. She was the rock of her family, a source of wisdom and stability in times of joy and adversity.
Today, we celebrate the life of a woman who touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on the world. Donna Chandler was a testament to the power of living a life anchored in faith and love. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, and her memory will be cherished in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we do so with the assurance that her spirit lives on, a guiding light for all of us who seek to live a life of purpose and grace.