Chandra Yvonne Henderson Lester

Chandra “Chan” Yvonne Henderson Lester, a beloved mother, lifelong educator, colleague, and friend, relinquished her earthly body on August 20, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving children following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 30, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, Chandra is the first born child and daughter of Yvonne Henderson Ward and Bobby Henderson Sr. She was raised Episcopalian before converting to Catholicism, a faith that became an important part of her life. She attended Villa Angela Academy, now known as Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, and graduated with the class of 1984. The following year, she moved to Georgia, where she would build her life, career, and family. Before beginning her career in education, Chandra spent nearly a decade in banking. From 1988 to 1996, she worked at SouthTrust Bank of Georgia, ultimately becoming Head Bank Teller. Chandra earned her Associate of Science degree from Georgia Perimeter College, formerly DeKalb College and now Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, graduating Cum Laude in June 1998. She went on to attend Mercer University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Middle Grade Education, with concentrations in Math and Social Studies and a minor in Business. After several years in banking, Chandra found her true calling: working with children. What began with her work as a substitute teacher eventually became a nearly three-decade career in education. She believed in giving her students every opportunity to succeed, even when that meant going far beyond the traditional school days. She taught hospital and homebound students on weekends, provided after-school tutoring, and worked summer school for many years. In her most recent years, Chandra served as an ESOL teacher at Lithonia Middle School, where she was deeply loved and supported by fellow teachers, students, and parents. She took particular care to ensure that parents could understand and participate in their children’s education, making sure important documents and communications were accessible across language barriers. She consistently went the extra mile for the people around her. Even after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Chandra continued to teach and work for as long as she was able to. Her commitment to her students was a reflection of the same devotion she brought to every part of her life. Above all else, Chandra was a mother and a protector. She poured herself into the lives of her five children and was fiercely devoted to their safety, well-being, and happiness. She navigated the challenges of motherhood and life with strength, resilience, and an unwavering desire to keep her family connected. She remained committed to supporting her children and maintaining bridges between their fathers, always putting the well-being of her family first. Chandra had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special. Birthdays and holidays were never dates on a calendar; she wanted everyone to feel celebrated. For her children’s milestone birthdays, she would make elaborate money cakes, carefully rolling dozens of dollar bills into them. It was one of the many ways she showed her love. She put thought, time, and creativity into making sure those around her knew that they mattered. Family and friends will remember Chandra for her unconditional love, generosity, and admiration for the people around her. She had a way of making people feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. Those who knew her often described her presence as warm and comforting. “It’s like she’s giving you a big hug when you greet her. She’s a beacon of light.” We let go of a remarkable woman, a loving mother, devoted teacher, and a kind soul. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the laughter and light she brought to the lives around her. Her legacy will be carried on by those who knew and adored her. Chandra’s love and legacy live on through her children Eric Jamal Lester, Keenon Lamar Lester (Colette), Chavonne Elise Henderson, Haskell Hanniel Lester, and Hasana Evonne Lester; grandchild Zenovia Sanai Lester; brother Robert Jeffrey Henderson; aunts Mary Traci Dumas, Darlene Palmore, Wylene Ward Claudman, and Debra Ragland; uncle Judge Haskell George Ward Sears (former Justice Leah Ward Sears); nieces and nephews Jerome Clark, Jr., Amirah Samuels and Charles Muchiri; her cousin Leonard Day, and a wide circle of loving extended family members and friends. Chandra reunites with her mother and father, Yvonne Henderson Ward and Bobby Henderson Sr, her brother, Bobby “Poopy” Henderson Jr, her uncle, Jack Henderson, her cousins, Gerald “Meat” Day, Satira “Tara” Ragland, and a host of family members waiting to embrace her once again. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Chandra’s memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, which partners with Crocs to help young people build confidence, gain skills, and unlock their full potential. Chandra was a devoted Crocs lover, and these contributions will offer a meaningful way to honor her memory while celebrating her love of Crocs and supporting young people in the community. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034.

Chandra Yvonne Henderson Lester

December 30, 1966 - August 20, 2026