GLEN COVE, NY - Katherine Baker Chandler, 87, passed away Monday, October 20, 2014, at Glengariff in Glen Cove, NY, where she had been a resident since May.
She was born February 5, 1927, to Annie Timmons Baker and Sanford Cleveland Baker, then of Tampa, FL. She was married to Ray E. Chandler, Sr., on June 9, 1945. She is survived by Ray and Sandra Chandler of Georgetown, SC, Ann and David Frankel of Roslyn, NY, Graham Frankel Smith and Harrison Smith of Birmingham, AL and Max and Kristen Frankel of Roslyn, NY, as well as, two great grandchildren, Cohen and Patton Smith.
A long time resident of Abbeville, SC, Mrs. Chandler received her undergraduate degree in Education from Erskine College and her Masters in Special Education from Clemson University.
She went on to become an Assistant Professor of Education at Erskine College.
Mrs. Chandler was an early advocate for special needs education beginning in 1966. Among her many accomplishments on behalf of learning disabled students include the development of the first education program for mentally challenged students in Abbeville County Schools. She created the first model behavioral management laboratory for special needs students in upper state South Carolina. The following year, she obtained federal funding for classroom behavioral management in the Abbeville County School system. In 1971, she organized the first Special Olympics in Abbeville County which she directed for three years. At Erskine College, in addition to her full teaching load as a special education professor, she developed and administered a learning disability program for special needs children to obtain a college degree. This was one of the first such programs in the nation.
Mrs. Chandler was awarded Erskine College’s Excellence in Teaching Award. She was twice named Erskine College’s Woman of the Year. She received Rotary’s Distinguished Service Award and was recognized by the South Carolina Orton Society for a career of excellence in special education.
The Chandler School for special needs children in Greenville, SC, is named in her honor.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2014, in Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to The Chandler School, 2900 Augusta St.,
Greenville, SC 29605.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
