Ila "Jo" Chandler

Ila Jo (Bumgarner) Chandler was born on May 25, 1944, in Los Angeles, California to Frank James Bumgarner and Emily Elizabeth Bumgarner. She passed from this life on February 14, 2024, in Sulphur, Oklahoma at age 79 year, 8 months, and 20 days.

Jo is survived by her husband, Rev. Charles Chandler; her daughter Rachel Toman and husband Daniel, her son Dean Sewell, her daughter Rebecca Sewell, her son Julian Haynes and wife Leona, and her step-children Pam Moore, Jeff Chandler, Barry Chandler, and Carla Chandler.

Jo is also survived by her beloved sisters Jeanette Yingling and June Cox; sixteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and an abundance of friends.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, ten siblings, her previous husband, Jimson Nelson, and step-daughter Pam Nelson.

Jo grew up in California. She moved to Sulphur Oklahoma in 1971. Many people knew Jo as the quick-witted, take no hassle waitress at the Artesian Restaurant. Jo attended East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education with a minor in Music. She was a special education teacher at Indianola, Bethel, and Sulphur public schools.

Jo was married to Jimson Nelson who passed away on June 24, 2018. Jo married Charles Chandler on May 7, 2021. 

Jo was a member of Memorial Freewill Baptist Church from 1977-2021. She was a member of Central Baptist Church since 2021.

Jo was a member of the Artist of the Arbuckles and the Literary Arts Forum. She was a prolific artist who focused on acrylic, water color, and sketches.  She served as Treasurer for various local organizations. 

Jo was passionate about music. She played the piano and composed music. She was learning the ukelele. Her favorite music was traditional hymns. She enjoyed sewing and reading in her spare time.

Jo would tell you that her greatest accomplishment was being a loving wife and mother. She was immensely proud of her family and was at her happiest when surrounded by her loved ones.

Services for Jo will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024. Visitation at 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, funeral service at 2:00 pm, burial immediately following. Visitation and funeral to be held at Central Baptist Church, south of Sulphur, with burial at Drake Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jordan Allen, Blake Patrick, Levi Burton, Cameron Cisneros, Ben Noland, and Torrey Hency. Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Burton, Jeff Chandler, Barry Chandler, and Daniel Toman.