It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Glenda Turnage Chandler, a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a dedicated grandmother to her three granddaughters. Glenda passed away with her only living daughter, Julie Lyons, at her side on May 14^th, 2025, while listening to her favorite Elvis gospel music. Glenda was 72 years old.  

Glenda was born on October 24^th, 1952, to Theresa and Elliot Turnage in Columbus, Georgia. She was the youngest of seven children and had four brothers and two sisters. After graduating from high school, she went on to practice in the field of banking, finance, and loan origination. She was a hard worker and excelled in everything that she did in her field.  

Glenda went on to have two daughters, Angela Marie Chandler and Julie Marie Chandler. Glenda took being a mother the extra mile. Her first daughter Angela was born with advanced spina bifida, and for four years she devoted her time and energy to caring for their daughter and finding any and all resources to help Angela live the best life she could under the circumstances. While her husband, Ronald Chandler, at the time worked to be able to keep finances in the household so that they would not struggle, Glenda stayed in the highway and met many loving staff members at Easter Seals, Scottish Rite, and many other places that treated Angela. Angela finally succumbed to her disease and Glenda and Ronald had to make the painful decision to remove her from life support and Angela passed away in June of 1987.  

While taking care of Angela, Glenda was pregnant with their second daughter Julie who was born the same year in October. They both believed Julie was their “miracle child” and she put the same love and devotion and even more into her daughter. She taught her daughter strong morals of Christian faith, to work hard, and if you were going to try something to be the best at it -do it with all your heart and to never give up. She instilled in her heart a compassion for others. She also had three granddaughters that she assisted in raising and loved with all of her heart. 

Glenda’s memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and colleagues. Glenda’s true legacy lives on in those she loved most which were her siblings, daughter and three granddaughters who she lived to love. Glenda’s spirit will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts, Glenda lives on, and we will forever honor the legacy of a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. 

In addition to her parents Theresa Burford and Elliott Turnage, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Angela Marie Chandler, brother, Harold Turnage, brother, Buddy Turnage, sister Betty Hester, and sister Evelyn Tolden.  

Survivors include her daughter Julie Lyons of Columbus, Georgia; son in law Gregory Lyons of Columbus, Georgia; brother, Butch Turnage of Phenix City, Alabama; brother, Robert Turnage of Cataula, Georgia; granddaughters Tinsley Thorne (14), Alleigh Thorne (12), and Brinklee Thorne (7) of Columbus, Georgia ; her childhood best friend Peggy Schoenherr; and dear friends Melissa Williams of Columbus, Georgia; and Angie and Kenny Brown of Smiths Station, Alabama; Brenda and Lee Podoll of Montgomery, Alabama; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.  

 A memorial service to celebrate Glenda Chandler’s life will be held on May 31^st, 2025, at 4:00 P.M at The River of Columbus Church in Midland, Georgia. The address is 10516 Mehaffey Road, Midland, Georgia 31820   

Her daughter would like to extend thanks and appreciation for the loving staff that took care of Glenda at Orchard View Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, especially those working on the Meadows Terrace Floor. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to www.columbushospice.com due to their unwavering support to make Glenda’s final moments peaceful and for the support given during her final days .

Georgia Cremation-Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.