05/14/2026
CHANDLER, JUANITA PERRY
MILFORD-Juanita Perry Chandler, 86, of Delaware, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 in Greenwood, Delaware.
Born on August 26, 1939 in Spring Hope, North Carolina, Juanita was the daughter of Herbert George Perry and Jeanette White Perry. Growing up in Newport News, Virginia, she was raised in a close-knit family where faith, music, strength, and love were woven into everyday life. Juanita and her siblings sang together as part of a gospel group known as The Perry Singers, and she once played piano by ear. These were early signs of the joy, spirit, and musical gifts she would carry throughout her life.
Juanita shared more than 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, George Elmer Chandler. Married on September 14, 1960, Juanita and George built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and commitment. As a devoted military spouse for 30 years, Juanita served her country in her own meaningful way, creating a home wherever George's service took their family. Their journey carried them to New York, Maine, Michigan, Delaware, Germany, California, and Washington. Through each move and every season, Juanita brought strength, grace, and stability to those she loved.
Juanita earned her bachelor's degree in business from Norfolk State University and later earned her master's degree in counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh. She used those gifts throughout her life as a counselor, educator, and advocate for children and families. As a young Black woman in the 1960s and 1970s, Juanita developed and grew her own career while raising children and often relocating as a military spouse. It was a reflection of her intelligence, resilience, determination, and remarkable ability to balance many responsibilities with grace. Over the years, she served in various schools and school districts. She also worked with state social services departments, including serving as the Assistant Director of the Upward Bound Program at Delaware State University, and later as Director of the Child Care Center at McClellan Air Force Base, before its closure. Her work reflected her belief in people, especially young people, and her desire to help them find direction, confidence, and opportunity.
A faithful member of the Dover Church of Christ, Juanita's Christian faith was central to her life. She loved gospel music, loved to sing, and carried that spirit of faith into the way she welcomed, encouraged, and cared for others.
Juanita loved to travel and entertain and had a gift for making people feel welcome. She was kind, encouraging, funny, and sharp-witted - but she was also strong, direct, and never afraid to speak up when something was not right. Juanita had strong opinions, a quick wit, and a loving way of getting people to do what needed to be done, so much so that family sometimes jokingly called her the "Master Motivator." She could be serious, playful, or both at the same time, and sometimes you were not quite sure whether she was correcting you or "messing" with you.
To those who loved her most, she was also affectionately known as Miss America. It was a name spoken with humor, admiration, and deep affection - a reflection of the beauty, confidence, personality, and presence she carried throughout her life.
Juanita was a devoted mother who poured herself into her children. She spent many late nights helping with homework, typing papers, working on projects, offering guidance, and making sure her children had what they needed to succeed. Her love was active, practical, persistent, and powerful. She did not simply tell her family what mattered; she showed them through sacrifice, expectation, encouragement, and example.
Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, George Elmer Chandler; her parents, Herbert George Perry and Jeanette White Perry; and her brother, Herbert George "Bill" Perry, Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, George E. Chandler II (Tamara), and Darlene Chandler Groce(Mark); her grandchildren: Lexi Mackin (Keegan), Matthew Groce (Kylie), Grant Chandler, Kaylee Groce, and Drew Chandler; her siblings,: David Perry, Elsie Daniels, Gail Cheek, Alroy "Al" Perry (Debbie), and Bettina J. Sellers; along with many extended family members, church family, and dear friends who loved her deeply.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Country Rest Home, Delaware Hospice, including Tracy Rothermel; as well as Kim McElwee, Michelle Poole, Reny Bell; Dr. Maria D'Souza, Kate Gruber, and the rest of the staff at COMPASS Dementia Care, for their care, compassion, and support.
A funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 where there will be a viewing from 12:00 P.M. until 1:00 P.M. A committal service will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday June 30, 2026 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.
