Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson, TN is assisting the family with arrangements.
Verena was born in the Oaklawn community of Pleasant View, TN to William Thomas Boyte and Pearl Ellis Winters Boyte on December 19, 1923. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Percy Lee Preston Chandler and her two brothers, Jewell Kenneth Boyte and William Donald Boyte.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Sherry and Dan Cunningham of Clarkesville, GA and Karen and Sandy Fitts of Lebanon, TN; grandchildren Brant (Jessica) Cunningham, Mindy (Adam) Pierce, and Kasey Fitts; five great-grandchildren, Claire and Katelyn Cunningham and Noah, Harper, and Naomi Pierce. She will also be missed by her host of family members, friends, and her church family.
Following high school, Verena attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville and worked at General Shoe, playing on the Generals basketball and softball teams. She was known as “Jo” by her co-workers and teammates.
From 1944 – 1946 she worked in Washington, D.C. in the office of Price Administration, then was transferred to Nashville.
Having known each other since childhood, Verena and Preston began dating when both returned home after WWII. They soon married and made their home in Nashville for several years. Daughters Karen and Sherry were born. Verena gave her heart to Jesus, then joined and became involved in Ivy Memorial Baptist Church.
For eight years she worked as a bonded representative for Andrews Dist. Co., an HVAC supply company. She worked at State Stove Mfg. for seven years as Executive Secretary to Herb Lindahl, Vice President.
She joined Ashland City First Baptist Church and was Church Secretary during the shepherding of three pastors. She was additionally, Church Treasurer for 30 years and loved singing in the choir and faithfully attending the ladies Sunday School classes through the years. Harking back to the Generals days, she was pitcher for the church’s co-ed softball team at age 61.
Known for her passionate interest in wildflowers, her arrangements were often seen at the church’s services and special events. She wrote about wildflowers as a staff correspondent for the Ashland City Times and generously shared her knowledge and seeds with grateful recipients far and wide. A favorite activity was preparing floral entries for the Cheatham County Fair from her personally cultivated beauties, resulting in numerous award ribbons. As a writer of poems for special occasions, there were entries and ribbons for these as well.
She was a past Worthy Matron of the Cheatham Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and an early member of the Senior Center Advisory Council.
Pallbearers will be Brant Cunningham, Sandy Fitts, Robert Chandler, Dave Mathews, Tommy Walsh and Sheriff Tim Binkley. Honorary Pallbearers are her First Baptist Church family, past and present.
The family would like to thank special friends: Willerdean Smith, Caroline Borum, Andrea Kay, and Joe Malinoski; caregivers: Toni Krantz and Faye Biggs; Avalon Hospice, Meals on Wheels; Bro. Leon Edwards and Bro. Cal Reynolds and wife, Sharon and the staff of Taylor Funeral Home.
Memorial Donations may be made to Ashland City First Baptist Church, 603 N. Main St., Ashland City, TN 37015.
