Laura Elizabeth Chandler

Laura “Betty” Elizabeth Poore Chandler, 100, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Born in Moore County, NC, on May 3, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Dewey Minford Poore and Prince Stubbs Poore. When Betty was six years old, the Poore family moved to Buncombe County, where she spent her early years. It was there where she met and later married her beloved husband, James Robert “J.R.” Chandler, on June 7th, 1941. In 1947, the Chandler family relocated to Burke County, where Betty spent the majority of her life - over 76 years - aside from a brief period living in Watauga County.

J.R. served as a N.C. Highway Patrol Officer, and Betty began her career at Shadowline starting in the mid-1950s. There she worked for over 30 years, eventually becoming a supervisor and forming many lifelong friends along the way. Betty volunteered her time with the American Cancer Society and was active in her church. One of her major contributions was teaching both children and adults how to make Chrismons for the annual church Chrismon tree. In 1960-61, Betty was among the many volunteers who collected funds for the preservation of the Battleship USS North Carolina.

As a gifted quilter and knitter, Betty crafted countless quilts and pillows for family and friends, often giving them as meaningful gifts for special occasions such as weddings and births of children. Betty also spent time knitting hats and making small quilts for newborns in Grace Hospital’s NICU. Her love for quilting will live on in the many people she taught at the local quilting group, and in the hands of her great-grandchildren who carry on the tradition.

She was a devout woman of faith who deeply and personally trusted in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a long standing member of Calvin Heights Baptist Church since the mid 1950s and had faithfully attended until recent years. By walking faithfully with the Lord in prayer and daily devotion, she imparted to future generations a lasting love for the truth of the Gospel.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Linda Chandler Shull (Rex); grandchildren, Robbie Benfield Nelson (Pete), Tony Benfield (Donna), Terry Shull, and Sherry Shull Gordon (Mark); great-grandchildren, Chesnee Shull Davis (Randy), Fallon Benfield, Kayla Nelson Neuenschwander (Thomas), Nicole Shull Farris (Seth), Mitchell Shull (Stephanie), Isaiah Gordon (Hannah), Megan Gordon, Heather Gordon, Joanna Gordon, and Isaac Gordon; great-great-grandchildren, Olivia Neuenschwander, Levi Davis, Caroline Davis, Scarlett Davis, Tyler Davis, Aubree Farris, and Jameson Farris; nieces, nephews, and numerous extended family.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert “J.R.” Chandler; daughter, Sylvia Chandler Benfield (Bob); sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Poore Hall (Theron) and Sylvia Poore; brothers, Dewey Poore Jr, Robert Poore and Henry Poore; and granddaughter-in-law, Amy Shull.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Burkemont Baptist Church. The celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton officiating. A burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family asks that if you received a quilt or pillow made by Betty, to please bring it with you so they can be displayed at the service. Please join the family in wearing blue, Betty’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Amorem Palliative and Hospice Care.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.