Wilma Jean Chandler, lovingly known as Nanny, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on May 30, 1946, in Greenville, TN to the late Erlin and Rosie Norton Franklin.

Jean was a resident of Madison County, North Carolina, a place she loved deeply and called home for her entire life. She was a longstanding member of Foster Creek Baptist Church.

Jean was a bright light for God. Her faith was steadfast, lived daily through prayer, service, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her family often joked that if they could make it into heaven, it would be because of Nanny's prayers. She was an extraordinary woman whose presence made every space feel safe, warm, and welcoming.

A true survivor, Jean, beat cervical cancer and went on to raise five children, then their children, and even their children after that. Her home was always full—not with only her family, but with countless others she lovingly cared for through years of babysitting and fellowship that allowed her extended family to grow exponentially. There was always a chair at her kitchen table and a fresh pot of coffee waiting for anyone who needed a place to sit and rest, no matter who they were or where they came from.

Jean was a wonderful baker. Her cherry yum yum recipe was coveted but would readily be shared upon request. She had an unmatched wit for board games—especially Dummy Rummy and Phase 10—she rarely lost. She loved music. Some of her families most cherished memories were made watching her flat-foot across the kitchen floor to the sounds of Dolly Parton and George Jones.

She loved to read and travel, once taking a memorable road trip across the United States with her beloved husband and grandson, Caleb. Jean had many hobbies, but her most treasured pastime was making memories with her family.

Jean adored Smoky Mountain thunderstorms and the rain that came with it. When thunder rattled the windows of her old farmhouse and fear crept in, she would gently say in her most reassuring tone, "Don't worry, that's just the angels bowling." She could often be found sitting on her front porch, watching the rain fall over her flower garden. Her favorite flowers were yellow roses.

She never missed a birthday, ballgame, or beauty pageant, and was often the loudest voice cheering in the crowd. Jean was endlessly proud of every single member of her family and made sure they always knew it.

In addition to her parents, Buck and Rosie Franklin, she was proceeded in death by her sister, Velma Chandler; and her beloved husband, Lanny Chandler.

She is survived by her five children, Chip Chandler (Tanya), Angie Chandler, Brenda Wyatt (Ophard), Vickie Ferguson (Randy), Linda Franklin (P.J. Shelton); grandchildren, Taya and Logan Chandler, Scarlette Shipman, Jasmine Brown (Levi), David Clark (Shelly), Chelsea Ferguson (Chelsea Mosley), Caleb Ferguson, Lee Franklin (Lezlie); and her legacy continues through her great grandchildren, Cason, Knox and Cree Brown. Jean is also survived by her siblings; Shirley Gibson, Nora Chandler, and William (Linda) Franklin. As well as numerous nieces and nephews spanning from Virginia to Tennessee.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Jean's entire care team for the compassion, love, and dignity they showed to her and her family. Special thanks to Mary Smith, nurse with CarePartners Home Health, who lovingly cared for Jean for several years, and to Kim, Ashley, and Heather of Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina, whose kindness and tenderness supported Jean and her family as she transitioned from life to death. Their care will never be forgotten.

Jean's life was a testament to faith, resilience, warmth, and unconditional love. Though she has gone home, her loving, laughter, and presence will echo through generations.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday 19, 2025, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Reverend Ken Parker and Reverend Nick Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.