Juanita Wheelock Chandler

Juanita Wheelock Chandler, 100, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away after a brief illness at Johnson City Medical Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Johnson City, Juanita was raised by two loving parents on an active family farm in East Tennessee. She was an exceptional student, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class at the age of 16. Shortly thereafter, she entered Appalachian Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in June of 1946. She became a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps on January 1, 1944; however, due to the end of World War II, she was not deployed after graduation.

Juanita dedicated more than 42 years to nursing, serving in three local hospitals. In 1969, she was instrumental in establishing the first coronary care unit in Johnson City and served as its supervisor. She was also involved in patient education and cardiac rehabilitation. As a member of the American Nurses Association and the Critical Care Nurses Association, she attended many professional meetings and conferences throughout her career.

In her free time, Juanita enjoyed tatting and crocheting, and her family and friends were often blessed with her handmade crocheted dishcloths. She was a longtime member of Clark Street Baptist Church, where she served as President of her Sunday School Class. Juanita often said she was “a people person,” and she lived her life helping and caring for others. God blessed her with a long life, and she used it well.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Willie T. and Gladys Wheelock; twin sister, Mattie V. Wheelock; and husband, John L. Chandler.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Max Chandler, of the home; daughter, Susie Mayhew, of Hickory, North Carolina; brother, Col. Eddie Dean Wheelock and wife Judy, of Martinez, Georgia; nephew, Tim Wheelock and wife Amy, and their three daughters, Victoria, Olivia, and Deanna, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and numerous cousins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their church family, neighbors, and friends for their support and many acts of kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clark Street Baptist Church, 200 Clark Street, Johnson City, Tennessee 37604.

Juanita’s family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, with a funeral service immediately following under the direction of Pastor Mike Anglin. A graveside service will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery (150 Rosecliff Drive, Fall Branch, TN 37656), under the direction of Pastor Johnathan Webb. Those attending are asked to please meet at the cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Chandler family. (423) 282-1521