Portia Chandler

Portia Thomas Chandler was born in Bloomington, Indiana on September 4, 1930, to the late Edward and Maude (Arnold) Thomas. She was the youngest and only daughter, and was raised by her mother Maude, after the death of her father when she was three years old.
Growing up in Bloomington, Portia met the love of her life, Marvin. They eventually married and shared an amazing 73 years of marriage before his passing. Portia had a great love of people, especially children. This was evidenced by her work at Project Follow Through, in Rochester, New York, and her time as a volunteer at The Children's Museum, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Portia was very sociable and welcomed any and everyone into her home. Most holidays found family, and a various assortment of friends sharing in the festivities. She loved to entertain. Many times, Marvin would turn in saying, "You all can stay as long as you want. I'm going to bed." Portia and friends would continue on, well into the night. She knew all of her neighbors, wherever they lived, and always had her finger on the pulse of anything happening in the neighborhood. She loved to cook. Anyone who had a taste of her culinary skills can attest to that! She loved her family with passion, and her face would light up with joy whenever they visited.
Portia was a devoted member of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the Sages, and faithfully served on the finance team. Portia departed this life on November 4, 2024, at the age of 94 years and two months.
Portia was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Marvin, grandson Robert Hamilton, her brothers Francis Henson, and Charles Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Suzanne Faulk, Jolene (Cornelius) Wright, Faith Chandler, sister-in-law Marcella Morgan, brother-in-law Elijah "Pete" Hicks, grandchildren Dominic Wright, Maurice (Kelly) Wright, Krista Wright, Lia (Jermaine) Robinson, Matthew Wright, Jennifer Faulk, 18 great -grandchildren, a host of loving nieces and nephews, special daughter Angela Ruffus, and her beloved grand fur baby, Penny.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of PORTIA CHANDLER, please visit our floral store.