Sarah Alice Kernodle Chandler, 89, of Memphis, TN died May 8, 2026, after a severe fall.

She retired from Memphis City Schools after teaching Home Economics at East High School and later, Food Services at Treadwell High School where she ran a commercial kitchen called “The Birdfeeder Cafe” preparing students to have careers in the food industry.

In 1980, she was named National Home Economics Teacher of the Year. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Lamba Chapter, Brunswick Family and Community Club, and Community Bible Study.

Alice lived with a warm, creative heart. She loved cooking for her family and friends, gardening with her family and especially her great-grandchildren. Always ready to lend a hand, and you never left her home without receiving something fresh out of her oven or her garden. Living a life of faith, generosity, and love was her path. She and her husband were members and attended 1st Evangelical Church since 1971. Alice was greatly cherished by those that knew her and her many former students who continue to this day to “shine brightly” because of the caring impact she had for them.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee Maxell Chandler, and one grandson, Chandler J. Harrell and one great-grandchild, Chloe Troyer. Additional loved ones who proceeded her in death include: Her parents, Albine and Mary Myrtle Kernodle, her seven sisters: Martha Nell Crowe, Minnie Lee Baucum, Loreda Tull, Maggie May, Mae Ola Whitten, Daphine Gilbert, Betty Sue Johnson and one brother, John David Kernodle.

She is survived by son, Don (Lesa), daughter Mary Singer (Peter), daughter Becky (Harrell) Chandler, and son David (Marianne). Grandchildren include Donnie and Dennis Chandler, Ashley Troyer, Jill Singer Schmitt (Doug), Justine Harrell Daniels (Tahshon), and Mcara Chandler. Eight great grandchildren: Jefferson and Riley Schmitt, Austin Chandler, Zane Troyer, Blakely and Channing Harrell, Storie and Shawn Daniels.

Beloved life-long Friends who were like family include: Martha House, Tracey and Jim Jonakin along with their children, Andy, Ben and Kellie. She had many nieces and nephews that were deeply devoted and loved their “Aunt Alice”.

A celebration of Alice’s life will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Forest Hill Memorial Park, 2440 Whitton Road, Memphis, TN. with visitation from 1:00-2:00, and the memorial service from 2:00-3:00, followed by graveside prayers and burial.

Donations may be made to: Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, 1520 W Poplar Ave, Collierville, TN 38017 or 1st Evangelical Missionary Fund.

Her Family sends heartfelt THANKS for the love and prayers shared by so many.