In Loving Memory of Ruby Lee Chandler Lindsay
“The Pretty Lady”

At 10:41 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Ruby Lee Chandler Lindsay peacefully departed this life for eternity at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. at the age of 90, three months shy of her 91st birthday. Born on January 15, 1936 in Boyd’s Creek, (Sevier County) TN, Ruby was the oldest of six children born to William Roy Chandler who farmed his family’s vast ancestral acreage and his wife, Juanita James Burden Chandler. Ruby was fortunate to be the first grandchild of Stewart Henry “Pop” Burden Sr. and his doting wife, Comfort Lee Tate Burden, her maternal grandparents who operated a prosperous, family construction business, a thriving farm and owned substantial real estate, and with whom Ruby lived from the age of 12.

In the Jim Crow South, education for black children was limited and strictly segregated, so Ruby completed high school at Swift Memorial—a presbyterian boarding school--in Rogersville, TN in 1954. She completed her undergraduate studies at Albany State University in Albany, GA in 1960, majoring in business administration as Pop Burden had advised her to do, telling her, “Ruby, Go into business!” Pop Burden was awash in cash in those days, and he financed her educational pursuits along with those of his children. Ruby also completed 2 of 3 semesters towards her Master’s Degree at the Philadelphia campus of Antioch University in the 1970s, and completed work-related graduate courses at Bryn Mawr College in PA.

Ruby began her lengthy career first in education in Valdosta, Georgia, then as a Social Worker for the Commonwealth of PA, and later for the City of Philadelphia—working professionally altogether about 43 years. Along the way, she received accolades from charitable organizations that recognized her giving heart. She received an award from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains for her service to the displaced and downtrodden. She was also very loving and giving to her family members, hosting them in her own home and encouraging them in their studies. Her brother, Charles H. Chandler, the business pioneer behind Chandler’s Deli, often related that if it were not for Ruby, he may never have completed high school. As a loving and giving mother, wife, sister and auntie, she was instrumental at keeping young people motivated and upwardly bound.

Not only was Ruby well-educated, but she was also well-travelled. She associated with an urbane set and traversed the globe with her family and with long-time best friend, Jean Marsh Clark, an educator, actress and singer who was also the first wife of black Philadelphia psychiatrist, Dr. Robert Clark. Ruby’s mother, Juanita B. (Chandler) Lundy had a photo of Ruby Lindsay and Jean Clark attending former President Nixon’s inaugural gala in Washington, DC placed in the local Sevierville newspaper, as so few blacks of that era had such opportunities. Elegantly dressed in gowns, gloves and furs, Ruby and Jean nevertheless remained life-long Democrats. As the great-grandchildren of slaves, they attended the upscale inaugural ball just for the experience!

Throughout life’s turbulent ups and downs, Ruby was sustained by her deep faith in Christianity, in The Lord’s promises of everlasting, eternal life, and she renewed her faith regularly along with her spouse as members of Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Ruby was preceded in death by her infant son, Reginald Lindsay, her parents, her sisters Shirley Faye Christine Chandler (Williams) Harris and Lois Celestine Chandler (Moulden) Branner, her brothers-in-law Clinton Harris Sr. and Walter C. Branner, her youngest brother Stewart (Sy) Brent Chandler, her nephew James R. Chandler Jr., and her husband of 66 years Henry H. Lindsay M.D.

She is survived and her memory is cherished by her daughter, Traci Lindsay, her brothers, James Richard Chandler Sr. and Charles Henry Chandler, her sisters-in-law Mary Chandler and Gwendolyn Parton Chandler, her nieces, Carolyn Moulden Bishop, Juanetta Parton Smith, Raphael Chandler Feamster, Stephanie Chandler Thompson, Jennifer Chandler Braxton, her nephews, Gary Juan Moulden and Clinton Harris Jr., extended family members, church members, lifelong friends, and associates.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

Immediately following the service, Mrs. Chandler will be laid to rest at the New Salem Cemetery in Sevierville, TN

The family wishes to thank all who have expressed their love and concern, and who have offered their prayers during this home-going celebration of her life.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com