All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Helen Lucretia Chandler Alexander

Helen Lucretia Chandler Alexander, 84, of St. Simons Island, Ga., died Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the home of her daughter, Connie Hollen, of Buckhannon, W.Va.

She was born November 17, 1935, in Buckhannon, a daughter of the late Ralph Samuel and Cozbi Arilla Sayre Chandler.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, David Ernest and Thomas Ralph Cutright; one brother, R. Richard “Dick” Chandler and one son-in-law, Rick Hollen.

She is survived by a very special friend, Bob Stanford of St. Simons Island, Ga.; three daughters, Connie Hollen of Buckhannon, Carol Payne and husband Donald Disney of St. Simons Island, Ga. and Christina Brantley and husband Sam of Brunswick, Ga.; three grandsons, Kristopher “Cody” Hollen and wife Rhonda of Buckhannon, Justin Curtis Ellison and wife Lauren of North Chesterfield, Va. and Dustin Hollen and wife Donna of Buckhannon; three granddaughters, Nikki Hollen of Buckhannon, Jessica Skym and husband Jack of North Chesterfield, Va., and Elaina Brantley of Brunswick, Ga., 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald R. Chandler and wife Sandra of Falling Waters, W.Va. and Danny O. Chandler of Queens, W.Va. and best friend Shirley Bennett Queen of Buckhannon; two sisters, Judy Hall and husband Marvin, and Kathy St. Clair and husband Jeff, all of Buckhannon, and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was a certified public accountant and received her degree in accounting from Oklahoma University.

She was a member of the St. Simon’s Presbyterian Church, where she served as an administrator for many years before retiring in 2015. In addition to her service to the church, she was also a Stephen’s minister. Helen was very active in her St. Simon’s community, having served as the manager of the Ritz Theatre, executive director of the Golden Isle Art & Humanities Association, past president of the St. Simon’s Island Players, and member of the National Organization for Women and the YWCA, to name a few.

When she wasn’t spending time with her family, serving her community or her church, she enjoyed writing, painting and photography.

In honoring Ms. Alexander’s wishes she will be cremated.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to WV Hospice and Heartland Hospice of St. Simons for taking such wonderful care of Helen.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home, W.Va. is in charge of the arrangements. 

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