GLORIA LORRAINE CHANDLER

GLORIA LORRAINE CHANDLER of Washington, DC departed this life for God's heavenly kingdom on August 7, 2026. Gloria, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in the District of Columbia with her family by her side. Gloria, a Beacon of light and love to all who knew her, was born in a quaint town in the heart of Onancock, Virginia. She was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of compassion, integrity and perseverance. Her warmth and generosity knew no bounds, and her gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Gloria was educated in Mary Nottingham Smith High School, Accomack, VA. She married Rudolph Chandler and relocated to the Naval Ordinance Station in Indian Head, MD and later to Washington, DC. She graduated from Howard University Divinity School, Washington, DC in 1996. In August 1970 Gloria began employment with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a U.S. military combat support agency providing IT and communications located in Arlington, VA. Gloria devoted many years of her life working as a Facilities Management Specialist at DISA until her retirement in September 2002. Gloria was a lifetime member of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church located in Washington, DC. She was eager to share her faith with anyone who sought her advice and was known for offering comforting words to those in need of encouragement. She praised the Lord constantly in times of sorrow, and in times of joy. You could hear her faithfully praising the Lord each morning. Upon arising, she would say, "Thank you Lord for waking me up this morning." Since joining Allen Chapel AME Church in 1970, Gloria belonged to the following organizations and held various offices: 1) Stewardess Board #2; 2) Choraleers Choir; 3) Usher Board #2; 4) President of Usher Board # 2; 5) The Della B. Green Missionary Society; 6) Caring Ministry; 7) assisted Pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church; 8) Wednesday Night Bible Study; 9) Prison Fellowship Ministry Bible Study at Lorton; 10) Director of Prison Fellowship Angel Tree (1995-2026); 11) Trustee; 12) President of Trustee Helper's Club; 13) Tuesday Bible Study; 14) Saturday Bible Study under Bro. James Paige; 15) Ministry to Comfort; 16) Howard University, ordained to preach in 1995; 17) Teacher, evening academy; and last, but not least, 18) Velma Paterson Club Gloria's dedication to service and her list of accomplishments were never-ending! In life, Gloria enjoyed the simple pleasures of losing herself in a good book and connecting with family and friends. Gloria documented her daily activities in journals, which were recently discovered, beginning as far back as 1984 to her last day! Our family will forever treasure these journals. What a gift they are! Commencing in 1991, Gloria was an officer of the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church for many years. She was the Secretary of the Trustee Board and some of the many duties included ensuring the upkeep of all church properties were maintained, all taxes were prepared and paid, and she performed both the administrative and functional duties necessary to carry out the responsibilities. Gloria was also associated with the Prison Ministry. Each Monday night, along with one of the Ministers of the Church, she would go to Lorton Prison to hold Bible Class with the inmates to provide them with spiritual guidance. Once they were released from the prison, she kept in touch with them to provide assistance in locating shelter, providing food, and getting a new start in life. As a member of the Caring Ministry, Gloria would visit those who were in the hospital, nursing homes, and those that were sick and shut-in. For those confined to a wheelchair, Gloria would assist in getting them dressed and taking them to church. She spent time in reading to them, going shopping for and with them and providing assistance in whatever area was needed. Once a month, Gloria assisted at the Shelter for the Homeless in providing and preparing breakfast for approximately 150 people. Gloria took clothing to those in need. She was a Class Leader with about 10 members that she called or visited to see how they were doing and if they were in need of any assistance. Those in need of assistance were brought to the attention of the Pastor and assistance was provided. Gloria was the President of the Trustee Helpers Club, which assisted the Pastor with financial responsibilities of the church, by conducting fundraisers. These funds were used to provide food and clothing for the needy. Gloria also sang with the Choraleers throughout the Washington area, New York, and North Carolina. For their 6th anniversary, they recorded a cassette tape at Omega Studios, which made her proud. A highlight of her active participation in the community was being awarded the Federal Employee Volunteer Service Pin and the Federal Employee Point of Life Certificate on March 19, 1992. Her agency requested a pin from the White House for her and another employee resulting from a letter they were asked to write about work they performed in their church and community. The federal agency was very pleased to honor them and said: "What time do you have to do anything else?" She was so very proud of her certificate and the pin that came along with it. On April 20, 1997, at the request of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Gloria was judged to be well qualified for the office of Local Deaon to administer the ordinances of the baptism, marriage, and the burial of the dead and to feed the Flock of Christ so long as her spirit and practice are such as become the Gospel of Christ, and she continue to hold fast the form of sound words, according to the established doctrine of the Christian Gospel. On March 16, 1998, Rev. Gloria Chandler of the A.M.E. Society received a Certificate of Authorization from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and was authorized to celebrate the rites of marriage in the District of Columbia. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Rudolph, her beloved son Larry, her parents, Joseph and Cariceal Logan, and siblings Leander, Josephine, James "Bill", Emma, and Marie Going. She is survived by her four loving children: Rudolph Jr., Gregory, Annette, and Monica Emerson (Aaron). She also leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in her grandchildren: Towanda Barnes (Michael), Gerel, Teaira, Maurice, Narizsia, and Jessica; greatgrandchildren: Chanel, Malik, Tabari, Asia, A'Icsis, A'Airra, Jessiah, Ta'Zeira, Navarro,Maliyah, and Jersey; great-great-grandchildren, Jakhari, Amiri, Iyla, Samaya, and Daizhani and sisters, Reatta and Betty of New Jersey. Additionally, she leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Her infectious laughter and genuine care for others will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered as a very energetic and outgoing person who was a rock of support for her whole family. She was always strong and never gave up fighting until the day she passed. As we bid farewell to Gloria, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will continue to inspire us. All glory is survived by her loving family, and a host of friends who will forever cherish her memory. As we gather to honor her memory, let's take comfort in the knowledge that she is at peace, surrounded by the love of her Heavenly Father. Her life may have come to an end, but her legacy will endure for generations to come, a testament to the power of love to transcend even the boundaries of mortality.