Theresa Payne Chandler

Theresa Payne Chandler, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, age 71, died on Friday May 24, 2024, at her home surrounded by her husband and three children. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday May 28, 2024, in the First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa sanctuary with visitation following in Chitwood Hall. A private burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moundville will follow at a later date.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert Monroe “Bill” and Betty Joyce Payne of Akron, Alabama.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Bryan Ross Chandler, children Eric Bryan Chandler (Shannon), Tracie Chandler Roe (William) and Allison Chandler Thomas (Josh); grandchildren, Mary Coleman Chandler, Jackson Payne Manderson, Annalee Fitts Manderson, Sarah Evelyn “Evie” Chandler, Walter Bryan Chandler, II, Henry Harrison Thomas and Frances Shipley Thomas, all of Tuscaloosa; siblings Monroe Payne (Melinda), Janet Langford (Michael), and Steve Payne; uncle and aunt Harold and Sally Payne and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was born on November 19, 1952 in Greensboro, Alabama and graduated from Akron High School in 1971. After receiving a business degree from Shelton State Community College, she worked for the University of Alabama in Alumni Hall, followed by 10 years as a claims specialist for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 1985 to become a full-time mother.

She was a member of the Moundville United Methodist Church and later First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa. She served on a number of committees and was active in the United Methodist Women, where she was a Circle Leader and President.

She was known as Theresa by most, but Nana by her grandchildren and Trixie by a few special friends. She never met a stranger and was described as welcoming, outgoing, and kind by most who knew her even casually. Theresa took an active role in caring for all of her grandchildren. With her family, she most enjoyed frequent afternoons by the pool at her house, anything with live music or a dance floor, and family vacations to Lake Martin and Perdido Key, FL. She was an avid Alabama football fan and often hosted friends and family for games at their home near campus. Her faith and love for the Lord were the centerpiece of a rich and full life, which left a legacy for family and friends that will not be soon forgotten.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the Serendipity Club of Moundville, the Soiree Supper Club and the Covenant Sunday School Class.

The family wishes to thank Dr. David Hinton, the nurses and staff of the DCH Manderson Cancer Medical Oncology Department, homeRN caregivers service, and Hospice of West Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center, Hospice of West Alabama, or the charity of your choice.