Juanita Bell Sample Chandler , 86, of Center passed away February 23, 2021, in Center.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home. Services will be held 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Kevin Windham and Diane Sample officiating. Interment will follow at Sample Cemetery.

Juanita was born February 28, 1934 in Houston to MeeMee "Cub" Sample and Oma Permenter Sample. On June 29, 1951, Juanita married James Chandler. The couple spent many years creating a strong marriage, building a loving Christian home and raising their five children always providing the love and support they needed. In 1980, Juanita and James moved to Shelby County and purchased a poultry farm. They spent many years raising chickens and enjoying East Texas. Juanita loved traveling and went several times to visit her niece, Janice in Germany and surrounding countries. Her traveling companions were her; sister, Oleta; sister in law, Ruth and niece Dianne. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed telling stories about the things they would do together. Juanita was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and received recognition of "A Real Granddaughter" of James Bedford Sample who was a citizen of the Republic of Texas. She was of the Baptist faith.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She is survived by:

Sons:

Robert Chandler and wife, Carolyn

Allan Chandler and wife, Rita

Larry Chandler and wife, Jennifer

Daughters:

Vickey Radney

Cindy Bradshaw and husband, Branden

Brothers:

Talmadge Sample and wife, Diane

Derrell Sample

Sister:

Hazel Smith

Sister in Laws:

Ruth Chandler and Betty Forsythe

Fourteen grandchildren:

Katherine Gaspard and husband, Daniel

Jeremy Chandler

Laura Shires and husband, Stephen

Shannon Baldwin and husband, Todd

Mindy Notter and husband, Toby

James Radney and wife, Amanda

Dustin Chandler and wife, Ashley

Jake Bradshaw and wife, Keni

Chelsea Jernigan and husband, Michael

Phillip Chandler

Logan Chandler

William Powell and wife Kristi

Heather Arnold and husband, Trey

Abigail Chandler

24 great grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way

Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends

She is preceded in death by her parents, MeeMee "Cub" and Oma Permenter Sample; husband, James W. Chandler; sisters, Oleta Langford and husband, Ed; Mary Ella Sample, and Iva Sample; brothers, P.C. Sample, Charley Sample, Eulon Sample and Cecil Sample; In Laws, Joe Ben and Joanne Chandler, J.B. and Willie Ruth Brown, Raymond and Dorothy Forbis, and Maurice Forsythe.

Pallbearers will be James Radney, Dustin Chandler, Jake Bradshaw, Michael Jernigan, Jeremy Chandler, Todd Baldwin, Toby Notter, and Chad Fuller.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Affinity Hospice for the care they provided during this time, as well as Juanita's healthcare providers, Taylor Ethridge and Reba Daniels. We will always remember each of you and forever be grateful for the care you provided to her during this time.