Martha Willis Brown Chandler

Martha Willis Brown Chandler, 88, beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed from this earth on Feb. 20, 2014, of congestive heart failure. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Lavon Chandler; son, Willis Edward Chandler and wife Lynette of Taylors, S.C.; daughter, Deborah Baldwin and husband Robert of Bentonville; son, Stephen Alexander Chandler and wife Juanita of Raleigh, N.C.; and sister Betty Tynes of Calhoun, La. Martha was also blessed with eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Martha Chandler was born July 21, 1925, in Monroe, La., to Willis Hudson Brown and wife Bessie. Martha was raised in the Monroe and Ruston area and married her high school sweetheart, Lavon in 1944. Over the years, Martha, raised and nurtured her family of five through many moves throughout the Southeast. Martha was a dedicated volunteer all of her adult life. Martha and Lavon retired on the old Chandler home place in Ruston, La., in 1984, where they lived until a recent move to Bentonville to be near their daughter and family. She was of a generous and hospitable nature, and always helped her friends and family with a very giving and loving heart. Throughout her life, she preserved an open, cheerful perspective, and met all situations with serenity and composure. Blessed with considerable beauty, she took quiet satisfaction from the devotion of her husband and family, which were always at the center of her concerns. She loved the Lord and was brave and sweet spirited, with the courage of her convictions. Two services celebrating the life of Martha Chandler will be held. The first, on Monday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. preceded by a visitation beginning at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Bentonville. The second, on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and Service at 2 p.m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, La., with burial following at Douglas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the American Heart Association or the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home in Monroe, La.