Mrs. Gloria Jean Wright Chandler of 3211 Lancaster Lane, Albany, Georgia died Monday, June 17, 2024 at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

The wake will be held Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Mt. Patmos Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Rest Haven Gardens of Memory in Decatur, Georgia.

With loving, cherished remembrance of Gloria (Gigi) Jean Wright Chandler, we gather to celebrate a life that was well lived.  We gather to celebrate and say, "well done, thy good and faithful servant," to one whose unwavering love and selflessness touched the lives of all who knew her.

As one of the eleven children of Willie B. and Margan Wright, Gigi was born July 28, 1946 in Leesburg, Georgia. Being raised in such a large family taught her the most valuable of life's lessons, to always trust God. A humble woman, Gigi loved and adored her large family.  Along with being called "Gigi," she was affectionately nicknamed "Monk" by all generations of the Wright family.

She received her formal education in Lee County. Her lifelong stewardship began at Mount Able Baptist Church. Upon the completion of high school, Gigi relocated to Atlanta and began working at BellSouth. Gigi retired after 37 years of employment at BellSouth/AT&T. She was an established, dependable and trustworthy employee and friend. She happily drove her coworkers to work on the second shift for many years. Gigi was a member of the Deaconess Board at Mount Patmos Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Marrying the love of her life, Benjamin Chandler, Sr., in 1988, she remained a dedicated and loving wife for 24 years. They were inseparable until his homegoing in June, 2012. The way she affectionately called him "Ben" is still talked about by the family. Ben, a well-known professional Gospel singer of the legendary Pilgrim Jubilees, cherished the moments his "G" would accompany him on concert  appearances. Those long road trips allowed them to spend quality time together and he enjoyed spoiling her with lots of love.

Known to make a memorable entrance when she entered a room, Gigi was much admired for her fashion elegance. Stylishly coordinated from head to toe, she was meticulously dressed regardless of the occasion. Her love of fashion was equal to her love of sports. Gigi was the ultimate Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching college and professional football, baseball, and basketball games.

Gigi loved to spend time tending to her front yard and porch flowers. She adored spending time shopping and eating seafood with her family during their Florida excursions. It was clear that nothing was more important than family.  She was a woman whose actions spoke louder than her words. Her love for family spoke  volumes. She loved her nieces and nephews and showered them with gifts and wisdom. Gigi led by example.

For the past 60 years, Gigi lived in Decatur, where she enjoyed spending time praising God. She enjoyed watching basketball and football games. Besides the Pilgrim Jubilees, her favorite quartet groups were the Jackson Southernaires and Willie Banks & the Messengers.

Gigi loved life and enjoyed many wonderful moments.  She passed away after a brief illness on June 17, 2024 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.  She is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Benjamin Chandler, Sr., her father, Willie B. Wright, Jr. and her cherished mother, Margan Wright; brothers, Elbert and Willie B. Wright, Jr. She is survived by her supportive siblings, Emma (Nathaniel) Greene, Dollie Morgan, Annie Perry, Rosie Wright, Merrita Jones, Emory (Robbie) Wright, Darlene Coleman, and Leonard Wright. She is also survived by Bobby Chandler, Jr. (special son), Joyce Ann Chandler (daughter), Edna Patterson (goddaughter), and a host of nephews, nieces,    cousins and close friends who loved and adored her.

Gigi was an amazing woman with a heart of gold. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was known for being honest, firm, generous, kind, neighborly and an excellent friend. She will be in our hearts, our memories and will be forever missed.

We are brokenhearted that God's plans took her from Earth but we are also comforted in knowing that Gigi is resting peacefully, with no more pain and suffering. We know that Gigi accepted and professed Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and that we will see her again in Heaven.