Beulah "Bridget" McPherson Chandler

Beulah “Bridget” McPherson Chandler, 97, passed peacefully Sunday, July 21, 2024, at her home in Tallahassee, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 3:00pm at the FSU Alumni Center, 1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32304. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Home Society of Tallahassee, 1801 Miccosukee Commons Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308, or the Emeritus Student Veteran Academic Excellence Scholarship at Florida State University Foundation, 325 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 or at www.give.fsu.edu (Fund Number: F07819). Bridget was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gilbert “Gibby” S. Chandler, Jr., her parents, Reginald and Mary McPherson, and her three brothers, Alney, Orien, and Reginald. She is survived by her son, Dr. Gilbert “Bert” S. Chandler, III and his wife, Debi; her daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Chandler Weeks and Bill Rayner. Mema was cherished by her grandchildren, Jill Chandler Trudeau, and her husband Thomas; Gilbert “Gib” S. Chandler, IV; Brandi and Steve Brown; Billy and Kristi Weeks; Kirstin and Drew Gadd; and great-grandchildren Parks (with whom she shared a birthday!) and Chandler Trudeau; Day and Ford Brown; Will and Ann Louise Weeks; and Henry Gadd. She and Gibby also shared a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Born December 5, 1926, in Greensboro, Florida, Bridget was the only daughter of the McPhersons. After graduating from Greensboro High School, she entered Florida State College for Women in 1944 where she studied to become a teacher. Being a member of the first graduating class of Florida State University was a point of great pride for Bridget. She taught 5th grade in Blountstown, Florida before transitioning to Tallahassee to marry Gibby upon his return from fighting in the European Theater. As part of a pioneer hotel/motel family, the Chandlers carried on the tradition with the Tallahassee Motor Hotel, the Lakeshore Motel and Lake Ella Motor Courts, all located near and around beautiful Lake Ella. Once her children were older, Bridget joined the staff of the Secretary of the Florida Senate where she spent several years working hard at having fun with her friends. It was when Gibby became ill that Bridget put her work life on hold to care for her husband. And care she did with selfless devotion throughout his final years. Bridget had many passions, but her love for Florida State ran the deepest. Seminole Boosters for 75 years, she and Gibby were loyal and avid fans from the very first football game held in 1947. She rarely missed a home or away game and attended nearly every bowl game. A love for baseball developed when their son Bert began playing Little League at Winthrop Park. She became a fixture at Mike Martin Field, even traveling to Omaha when they made it to The College World Series. A member of the Emeriti Alumni Society, Bridget poured her heart and soul into her alma mater in every way from supporting scholarships to serving on boards. As part of the national hospitality community, Bridget and Gibby traveled the country with their children, and their curiosity and adventurous spirits led them to see the world with their friends in retirement. A keen bridge player and talented quilter, Bridget was never one to sit still. Her garden was the envy of her Betton Hills neighborhood, and her robust canning production continued until the day she passed. Her enthusiastic and joyful presence was felt in every room she entered. Her daughter, Ginny, always said, “No one has more fun than my mom!” And she was right. Rocky Bevis and Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Beulah "Bridget" McPherson Chandler

December 5, 1926 - July 21, 2024