Olga Chandler Obituary

Olga Tona Watt Chandler, 91, of Sumter, S.C., entered the presence of our Lord on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 2:15 a.m. She had the sweet blessing of being at her home as she passed from this life into eternal life with Christ.
Tona was born in Sumter, S.C., on April 23, 1934, to Elwyn Morgan Watt and Pauline Kvaternik Singleton Watt. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings in the Singleton-Watt family.
Tona graduated from Edmunds High School in 1952 before attending East Carolina Teachers College, going on to teach for over 30 years.
Of all the things Tona will be remembered for, her love for others is paramount. Tona was involved in various ministries through Lewis Chapel Church, where she was a member for over 40 years, and loved serving and helping others. Renowned for her hospitality, her home and table were always open to her family and friends. Christmas mornings were spent enjoying oyster stew around her kitchen table, and countless cousin sleepovers were held on her living room floor. Tona could often be found with her video camera in hand, documenting the moments that made her the happiest. Her commentary on everything from the birds in her backyard to the antics of her grandchildren is a cherished sound to her loved ones.
Tona's memory lives on in the flowers that bloom in her yard and the sounds of piano music played by her grandchildren, whom she gifted with lessons. The greatest legacy she leaves behind, though, is a family who loves the Lord, appreciates the beauty of His creation, and lives with compassion for others.
Tona is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, George Patterson Chandler; her devoted children, Joel Chandler (Cheryl), Lyall White (Jimmy), and Kelsey Jones (Carroll); her adoring grandchildren, Lindsay Miller (Ben), Andrew White (Megan), Erin Hughes (Daniel), Alyssa Rogers (Anthony), Jonathan White (Candace), Megan Drummond (David), Tucker Chandler, and Chasity Welch (Kian); her beloved great-grandchildren, Henry, Mills, Hattie, Thomas, Audrey, Matthew, Dylan, Ford, Fawn, Bennett, Beau, and Murphy; and her numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Lewis Chapel Church, 1510 Plowden Mill Road, on Saturday, August 9 at 4:00 p.m. A visitation will be held immediately preceding the service at 3:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made in memory of Tona Chandler to the following ministries, all of which were dear to her heart:
Amedisys Hospice Care (2231), 198 E. Wesmark Blvd., Suite 2, Sumter, S.C. 29150
Emmaus of the Midlands, P.O. Box 85, Lexington, S.C. 29071
South Carolina Conference – The United Methodist Church, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29203 Designate: Native American Ministries
South Carolina Conference – The United Methodist Church, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29203 Designate: Salkehatchie Summer Service
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.