Mary Helen Gunter

Mary Helen Gunter, daughter of the late Preston J. Chandler Sr. and Viola S. Chandler was born on September 26, 1926, in North Hampton County Virginia. At an early age Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Mary was the youngest of five siblings growing up together in Exmore Virginia. As a young woman Mary followed her brothers Quill and Preston to Oyster Bay New York for better employment opportunities but eventually moved to Philadelphia PA to strike it out on her own. Mary held several different positions throughout her working career. In the early 1960's Mary fell in love with the late John Preyer and they soon purchased a home together on Ringgold St They remained committed to each other until his passing in 1996. Mary at 4'10" tall was known to everyone as the sweet little lady who made the best sweet potato pies (with or without coconut). Mary came to New York for most holidays to be with her niece Maggie and her family bearing gifts from Macy's and those pies. Not until the age of 94 did Mary give up living independently as she was torn between leaving her Church of the Redeemer family or moving to New York with her niece Maggie. Mary began having medical issues earlier this year and succumbed to them on November 3, 2025. Mary was predeceased by siblings Quill Chandler, Preston Chandler, Milton Chandler, and Effie Holloway. Mary is survived by her niece Maggie Martin, nephew Clarence Chandler (wife Sandy), nephew Douglas Chandler (wife Monique),nephew Pierre A. Chandler, great nephew Owamani Magezi (wife Jessica) and a host of other nieces and nephews. A special shout out goes to Philadelphia neighbors Viola, Juanita, Peaches and Charlene and New York neighbor Marie.

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