1949-2019
Josephine Rita Sexton Chandler, 70, of Camden, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Camden Healthcare and Rehabilitation, with her faithful friend, Patricia Crozier by her side. Bruceton Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements and a Celebration of Life is being planned for Thanksgiving weekend to accommodate her may beloved out-of-town family and friends.
Mrs. Chandler was born Aug. 20, 1949, in Joliet, Ill., to the late Edward Sexton and Elizabeth Ayers (Ralph) McComb. She grew up in Lockport, Ill., and attended Homer Elementary School and Lockport High School. “Josie” was a vibrant, loving, kind person who made friends and shared a connection with everyone she met along life’s path. She took pride in taking care of her husband, family and friends. She loved living in the country near Camden for the past 15 years, where she enjoyed the simple pleasures of gardening and canning, feeding and watching the birds, and fishing with her husband. She liked to play bingo locally with her best friend Patty and sister Betty. She took great delight in visiting her daughter in Florida and was always ready for an adventure. Her favorite memories were of trips to Las Vegas for Mother’s Day and taking a cruise to Key West and Cozumel.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Shelley Volling, whom she lovingly cared for during a short, difficult battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, James Chandler; a daughter, Kimberly Volling (Jeff) Christoffersen; five grandchildren, Arthur, Nicholas, and Zachary Christoffersen, Amanda (Brent) Vance, and Brandon (Desirae) Anderson; four great-grandchildren, Hailie and Joshua Young, Dean Vance and Elijah Anderson; four sisters, Elizabeth (Jerry) Wilbanks, Terry Sexton, Bonnie (James) Spatifora, and Tracy (Dennis) Konopka; three brothers, Edward (Donna) Sexton, John (Cheryl) Sexton, and Anthony Ayers, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Donations in her honor can be made to the American Cancer Society or the