Joselyn Chandler was born on June 10, 1955 in St. Louis, Missouri. On December 29, 2013, she closed her eyes here on earth and opened them in the presence of The Lord. We are thankful that she is at eternal rest and basking in the light of her Savior.
HER FAITH
Joselyn professed her faith in Jesus Christ in an early age at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri under the leadership of Rev. I.T. Moore. Joselyn was active in her church participating in many ministries such as a Junior Usher and President of Youth Choir.
A DAUGTHER
Joselyn was the 4th child born to the union of the late Mack and Thelma Mae Hinton Hayes. She loved her family and they had many memorable experiences together. Through a summer youth program in St. Louis, Joselyn was selected to participate in a national track meet in New York City. This was one of the many highlights of her adolescent years. Joselyn was well liked by her family and friends.
HER EDUCATION
In 1973, Joselyn graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis. She enjoyed cheering her “Blue Jackets” on to victory as a Varsity Cheerleader. In 1989, she earned an Associate of Applied Business degree from the University of Cincinnati, graduating with honors (Cum Laude). In 1992, she earned a B.A. degree in Paralegal Studies from the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati. Joselyn enjoyed learning and always excelled at a very high level.
HER EMPLOYMENT
While Joselyn was in high school, she decided that she wanted to work in the legal profession and accepted a job as a Legal Secretary at a private law practice in St. Louis. She developed a passion for law and would continue to pursue that career as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant. As she relocated with her husband from St. Louis, Missouri, Raleigh, North Carolina and Cincinnati, Ohio, she worked for a number of law firms and was always considered one of the best employees on staff. In 2006, she was hired by Freund, Freeze and Arnold at their downtown Cincinnati location. She would strive for perfection in everything she did and her efforts were appropriately recognized by her employer. It was important to Joselyn that she represented Jesus Christ in the quality of her work and the relationships she maintained on the job. She was one the best in her field. Joselyn was an active member of the Cincinnati Bar Association.
For many years, Joselyn worked as an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She recruited new business partners and earned her “Red Jacket”. She enjoyed helping women enhance their beauty, both inside and outside. Joselyn was able to convince her husband to start using her men’s line of products to become a walking advertisement for her business. It worked!
A WIFE
God arranged for Joselyn to meet her soon to be husband, Gregory, at church in 1977. Though they did not previously know each other (they attended different churches), it did not take long for her to realize that he was the one for her to marry. On September 16, 1978, Joselyn and Gregory Chandler were married, one week after he preached his FIRST sermon. She has been his biggest cheerleader ever since.
Joselyn enjoyed being married to Gregory for the past 35 years. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed having fun. Joselyn would love to go to the amusement parks and ride the most daring rides. Joselyn was a supportive wife, but would not hesitate to share some advice with him, as needed. She was made for him and him for her. Joselyn was committed to her marriage because it was ordained by God. She was protective of her children and husband.
A MOTHER
Two children, Greg Jr. and Andrea Renee were born to this union. Joselyn displayed excellent parenting skills as a mother. God blessed her with enormous amounts of patience, love and wisdom to nurture her children. She was an excellent role model and helped to teach her children about Jesus Christ. Whenever her family had to relocate, Joselyn would gladly make the sacrifice to stay at home to raise the children. She supported them in their school and community activities. Joselyn’s superior care for the home gave her husband the peace of mind to be able to pursue his career so that he could provide a comfortable lifestyle for their family. You could not find a better mother than Joselyn.
A FIRST LADY and MINISTRY PARTNER
Over the past 35 years, Joselyn has served humbly as the First Lady of Northeast Baptist Church (Durham, NC), Peace Baptist Church (Cincinnati, OH) and currently at World Outreach Christian Church (Cincinnati, OH) since 2003. She never tried to overshadow her husband/Pastor, but instead was always there to support him. Her sweet, caring spirit was evident to all she came into contact with.
Joselyn never got caught up in titles and status, but her great
love for Jesus was evident to all. In 2009, she received “The Star Beside The Star” award presented by Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church.
In the early years of her marriage, she would canvass the neighborhood with her husband to share the gospel door to door. Later she would accompany her husband on several mission trips to Lagos, Nigeria and Gboko, Nigeria. Joselyn would always remind her husband/Pastor and members to stay committed to the fulfillment of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
Joselyn loved studying The Bible and was always eager to teach the children and women of the church. God blessed her with many gifts and talents. Joselyn was always concerned about others more than herself. She was a helper and nurturer. She would rather serve than to be served or give a compliment rather than receive one. Joselyn was a play writer and song writer. Her inspiring work has been performed at the churches where she served. Her most notable play was titled “God is Not Through With Me Yet”. Joselyn was a servant leader and was able to successfully lead the members to accomplish projects both inside and outside of the church.
A FRIEND
Joselyn was friend to many, but none better than to Carroll Talbert, her BFF. God gave them something special and they were a blessing to each other. No matter what, Carroll could always make her laugh. Joselyn was a bit of a comedian herself. Her hearty laugh and bright smile was infectious. She needed no help in carrying on a conversation. Joselyn was always a warm and pleasant presence in the room.
Joselyn will always be remembered as a good friend, sibling, daughter, mother, wife and grandmother by those who knew her. She will be missed beyond words, but we are grateful that she is now in paradise with Jesus.
Those left behind to cherish her life are: her loving husband, Gregory Chandler, Sr.; a son, Gregory Chandler, Jr.; a daugh-ter, Andrea Hall (Mario); grandchildren, Auriana Raelyn and Dominic Mario Hall; sisters, Shirley Worth of St. Louis, MO, Juanita Williams (Carl) of Flint, MI, Anita Hayes of St. Louis, MO, Daphyne Bradley (Danny) of St. Louis, MO and Allison Whittaker (Bob) of St. Louis, MO; brothers, Glenn Hayes (Karen) of St. Louis, MO, Philip Hayes of St. Louis, MO and Eric (Pam) Hayes of St. Louis, MO; mother-in-law, Goleather Chandler of St. Louis, MO; The Chandler family; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and her beloved World Outreach Christian Church family.