Reba Carolyn Chandler Lewter died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020 in Fairview, Alabama, her home for the past 37 years. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and teacher at the former Baileyton Jr. High School, Reba lost her battle with dementia and cancer. She was surrounded by family when she died at her home.
Carolyn, as she was called by her friends, born Sept. 26, 1932, was the daughter of Albert W. and Mattie B. Chandler of Ardmore, Alabama. She graduated from Ardmore High School in 1950, and on Dec. 8, 1951 married Ernest H. Lewter, Jr. from Ardmore, Tennessee.
The couple moved around a lot early on in their marriage. Less than a after they married, they moved to Indianapolis, where daughter Desta LeGatha Lewter was born. They moved to Wheelerton, Tennessee a year later, and their son Ernest Eugene “Pete” Lewter was born. They then moved to Nashville, and then settled in Guntersville, Alabama, where Reda Collette Lewter joined the family in 1960. Mr. Lewter died suddenly in 1975, and Carolyn decided to go back to school. She graduated in 1978 from Southern Benedictine College (now St. Bernard) in Cullman, Alabama. She worked for Holly Pond Elementary School for a year, then transferred to Baileyton Jr. High School, where she was a girls’ basketball coach. In 1983, she and her youngest daughter and son-in-law moved to Fairview, where she lived until her death.
Carolyn retired from teaching in 1998. She loved Alabama football, spending time with her family, and teaching. She desired every student to succeed, and she loved watching students grow and learn.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Dalton Chandler, Marie Chandler Looney, and Billy Ray Chandler; and a very special grandson, Jared Chase Garrett.
She is survived by her sister Margaret Chandler Dake; her children Desta Lewter Burns (Keith), Ernest “Pete” Lewter (Brenda), and Reda Collette Lewter Garrett (Dwight); grandchildren Tara Meharg, Micah Lewter, Kristen Mullins, Misti Oliver, and Sommer Calderone; and six great-grandchildren Madisyn, Kylie, Grayson, Ripkin, Sawyer and Slayton; plus numerous former students.
A public visitation will be held Sunday, Aug. 23 from noon-2 p.m. at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama. There will be a private family funeral service with Owen Lewter officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, Alabama.
Pallbearers will be Justin Oliver, Grahem Meharg, John Mullins, Sam Calderone, Bill Chandler, and Darrel Looney. Honorary pallbearers are Chase Garrett (deceased) and Micah Lewter (out of country).
Due to COVID-19 and the statewide mandate, masks will be required and must be worn at all times when entering the building and while in our facility. Also, must practice 6-foot social distancing and washing hands.
