Sarah Margaret Chandler
Sarah Margaret Chandler, a remarkable woman whose life was marked by dedication, compassion, and an unyielding spirit, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 81, in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Born on August 7, 1942, to Pastor Jarrett T. Chandler and Annabelle Slack Chandler in Charleston, West Virginia, Sarah’s journey through life was one defined by unwavering determination, boundless love, and a deep commitment to her family and community.
Sarah’s early years were marked by a sense of adventure as her family moved across various locations in West Virginia. At age 16, she and her family settled in North Haledon, New Jersey, where her father assumed the role of a pastor at the First Baptist Church in Paterson, New Jersey.
On September 8, 1962, Sarah married Robert Edward Planten, and together they embarked on the joys of parenthood, having four sons. Despite her busy role as a mother, Sarah was determined to pursue her dreams. In May 1973, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. This marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to education. She opened her own nursery school, the Milton Early Learning Center, after an apprenticeship at another nursery school in West Milford, New Jersey. For 13 years, Sarah nurtured and educated young minds, instilling in them a love for learning.
In 1985, as a single mother, Sarah embarked on another journey, enrolling in a paralegal program at Montclair State College. She worked tirelessly, juggling two full-time jobs; one at New Jersey Bell Telephone the other as a waitress at Jorgensen’s Inn.
In May of 1987, Sarah was accepted into Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, where she completed her law degree in May 1990 while working full time at a law firm. Following her studies, she clerked for an Eaton County Circuit Court Judge, proving her unwavering commitment to justice. In May of 1991, she opened her law practice in Charlotte, Michigan, which she passionately pursued until her retirement in 2017.
Sarah’s commitment to her community extended far beyond her legal career. She was a founding member of SIREN, Inc., now known as SIREN/Eaton Shelter, Inc., providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and homelessness. She served as the president of the Charlotte Kiwanis Club, Lansing Torch Club, and Altrusa Club of Greater Lansing, leaving a lasting impact on each organization.
Sarah’s dedication was recognized with the Lansing State Journal’s People’s Choice Award for Charlotte Attorney in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Community Cornerstone Award from Mayor Brown of Charlotte.
Her faith and love for music led her to Central United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir during a European tour, sharing her voice in churches across Austria, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia. She was actively involved in numerous church committees and served as a Sunday School teacher.
Upon her retirement, Sarah relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina, where she continued to serve her community as a member of First United Methodist Church and the Salisbury Kiwanis Club.
Sarah is survived by her loving sons Ronald, Donald, and Duane, her cherished grandson Jonathan, her sister Anna Chandler Wilkins, and her brother, Dr. Jarrett T. Chandler, Jr. Her legacy of love, dedication, and service will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.
A memorial service celebrating Sarah’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina.
The Chandler family has entrusted Lyerly Funeral Home with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.
Sarah Margaret Chandler’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the impact one person can have on the world. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.