Mitzi Renae Chandler was born on February 24, 1964 to parents Maurice Chandler Sr. and Delores Chandler in Altus, Oklahoma. The eldest child of three, Mitzi possessed nurturing qualities at an early age. She assisted in caregiving for her two younger brothers-often times, preparing meals, helping with homework, and making sure they were ready for school the next day. Mitzi was right there, always willing to help and serve. Over the course of her childhood years, Mitzi attended elementary and Jr. High School in Oklahoma before relocating to Oakland, California where she attended and graduated from Castlemont High School.

After graduation, Mitzi entered the workforce and began working at  Fish N Chips eatery inside the Eastmont Mall. It was there in the late 80’s that she would meet a very persistent Ronald Eugene Johnson, who after much pursuit, eventually won Mitzi’s heart. Having left most of her family in Oklahoma, Mitzi’s union with Ronald would bond her to an extended family that stretched beyond the duration of their relationship. On June 3rd, 1990, Mitzi and Ronald their one and only son, DeAndre Eugene Johnson. Mitzi loved her son; he was her “Stink”.

Making many sacrifices to provide a quality life for DeAndre, Mitzi evolved along a career path in the hospitality industry where she worked at the Park Plaza Hotel and later the Double Tree Hotel. Over a career span of 17 years, Mitzi worked her way up from housekeeping to Front Desk Manager. Mitzi’s staff and co-workers looked forward to her arrival to work, for she would cheer up anyone and didn’t have to work hard to do it; that’s just who she was. When Mitzi was at work, there wasn’t anything that couldn’t get done.

Known for her infectious smile, warm kind heart and such sweet spirit, Mitzi was someone you could count on. She always had a listening ear and sound wise advice. She would often say one of her favorite sayings,

“Never run faster than your guardian angel can fly”. Providing shelter, a warm meal, a ride or even a fresh braided hairdo, Mitzi was there. She didn’t expect a public applause or recognition, she just served. When free time would allow, Mitzi loved a good read and she took pride in watching her son grow and accomplish various milestones.

On May 7, 2013, God blessed Mitzi with her own guardian angel, her granddaughter, Deliah Renae Johnson. Deliah embodies the essence of her grandmother and will forever carry on her name.

While this life is appointed a time to fulfill the course set before us, Mitzi’s course ended on September 18, 2017, having lived a life that will always be remembered.

Mitzi is proceeded in death by her parents, Maurice Chandler and Delores Chandler; extended mother, Bernadine McClendon; step-son, Ronnell Edward Johnson; and “Stink”; granddaughter, Deliah Renae Johnson; brothers, Maurice Chandler Jr. and Sean Chandler; aunts, Betsy Miller and Versie Perry; cousins, Rosalyn Perry and Curtessa Pullen; step-daughter, Victoria Hewitt; former companion, Ronald Eugene Johnson; extended sisters, Elizabeth Johnson and Brenda Stone; Park Plaza Hotel special friends, “Mona” and “Rosie” and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.