Rebecca Jo Chandler Gaither
1946-2021

Beloved sister of Ron Chandler.

Rebecca Jo Chandler Gaither was called many names and filled many roles in her precious 74 years of life. Born in Lake Village and raised in Eudora, she was “Becky Jo” to her parents, Clara Lane Tupman Chandler and Marshall Monroe Chandler, as well as her siblings, Barbara Lynn Chandler Stubblefield and Ronald Monroe Chandler. 

Later, after graduating from Eudora High School, she attended Ouachita Baptist University and received a degree in music. It was there that she met James Donald Gaither, whom she would marry on June 29, 1969. Becky Jo took on the role of loving, devoted wife for 52 years of marriage, first in Little Rock, then in Benton for the last 41 years. An example of their devotion, Becky went to sleep each night hearing James tell her that he was crazy about her.

As a result of their marriage, Becky Jo became “Momma” to Marsha, Michael, and Mitchell. She was all the things we could hope for in a mother: strong, loving, kind, and she tirelessly and relentlessly put the needs of others ahead of her own, not just for her children but for anyone fortunate enough to know her.

Becky Jo took on the role of music teacher in the Beebe School District just after college, followed by over 20 years of service to the children of the First Baptist Church of Benton as a nursery worker, preschool teacher, and finally as the director of the FBC preschool program.

On August 14, 2003, she took on the role she was created by God to play. She became “B.B.” to Chandler, followed by Jillian, Lane, Caroline, Ross, and Reid. In doing so, she also became B.B. to William, Jill, Paige and countless other friends and extended family. The love she gave and received from her grandchildren is incomparable, unforgettable, and truly a gift from God.  

It was in her devotion to the role of B.B. that she fiercely took on the task of fighter, survivor, and inspiration as she continually overcame the obstacles that accompanied three heart valve replacement surgeries and other challenging health complications. These were challenges she faced with unmatched grace and resilience, and never with complaints or sorrow. She was the best of us and the toughest of us. Few people spent so much time caring for the needs of others and so little time on herself as Becky Jo.

On July 2, 2021, our B.B. took on her final role as a perfect child of God; she was welcomed into His arms and was told “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Becky Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Clara Chandler of Eudora, and her sister, Barbara Lynn Chandler Stubblefield (Joel) of Fort Smith. She is survived by her adoring husband, James, her children, Marsha Gaither Saul (William) of DeValls Bluff, Mitchell (Paige) and Michael (Jill) of Benton; her grandchildren, Chandler (17) and Lane Saul (13), Jillian (13) and Caroline Gaither (11), and Ross (8) and Reid Gaither (5); her brother, Ron (Renee), of Fairfield Bay, as well as countless other friends and family members who loved Becky Jo.

We love you B.B.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the children’s ministry of First Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas.