With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Cassandra Jenessia Chairs, who departed this earthly life to join her Heavenly Father on December 5, 2025. She was a devoted and loving mother, cherished grandmother and nana, loyal sister and friend, and a faithful servant of God.
Cassandra was born on September 27, 1950, one of twelve children born to Rice and Geneva Whitfield. She graduated from Cairo High School and earned a degree from Draughon’s Business College. She dedicated many years to serving others in long-term care facilities in housekeeping and dietary. She approached her work the same way she approached life—with compassion and pride. Both at home and at church, she was known as an incredible cook, and her famous dressing was talked about long after family gatherings ended.
Cassandra was a woman whose love for God and family shaped every part of her life. A devoted Christian and the longest-standing member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church, she carried herself with quiet strength and a heart that welcomed everyone. To many, she wasn’t just Sister Chairs—she was “Granny,” “Mama,” or “Nana,” titles given by those who felt the warmth of her presence. Anyone who met her walked away feeling seen, valued, and cared for. She had a gift for making people feel like they mattered.
At Christ Temple, Sister Chairs served faithfully in whatever role was needed. She sang in the choir, greeted members and guests as an usher, served on the culinary team, supported leadership as a pastoral aide, and helped guide young hearts as a Sunday School teacher. She was also an usher for the First Apostolic Council of Kentucky and Tennessee. If Sister Chairs agreed to do something, she did it with excellence, humility, and sincerity.
Cassandra was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and caregiver. Helping others came naturally to her. Whether she knew you or not, if she could help, she would. She was passionate about giving back to those less fortunate. Every year during the holidays, she and her sister Carolyn cooked and fed tenants of the Jackson House—many of whom had no family to celebrate with or would not have had a holiday meal otherwise.
Cassandra was preceded in death by her parents, Rice and Geneva Whitfield; her grandson Darrie’ll Travis; one sister, Nolan Alexander; and three brothers: Russell De’Berry, James Whitfield, and Wallace Wayne Whitfield. She leaves behind a family who adored her: two daughters, Shataka Burgess and Shaketha Cleary (James), and one son, Chaka Burgess (Amy), all of Paducah,KY; and thirteen grandchildren: Jalicah Burgess of Atlanta, GA; Marchon Bryant and Aaliyah Burgess, both of Paducah,KY; Michael Burgess (Mikayla) of Princeton, KY; Tamia Nesby (Tyrone) of Johnston City, IL; Joe Travis, Jr.; Chris Burgess (Patience); Keiran Powers; Jamie Alexander; Kya Cleary; Aliyah Parnell, all of Paducah, KY; Bryson Brooks of Louisville, KY; and Maya Cleary of Nashville, TN.
She is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by five sisters: Carolyn Jackson and Marquita Whitfield, both of Paducah, KY; Betty Chappell of Clarksville, TN; Patricia Baldwin of Lenexa, KS; and Wilma Barner of Houston, TX; and two brothers, Billy and Herman Whitfield, both of Cairo, IL. She also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Last, but certainly not least, her dear friends Sister Norma Terry, Sister Classy Jackson, Sister Gloria Mayes, and Sister Sue Adams, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
A Celebration of Cassandra Chairs’ Life will be held at Christ Temple Apostolic Church on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest near her grandson at Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following the service.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
Services will be livestreamed beginning at 10:50 a.m. on the Pettus Rowland Funeral Home Facebook page at pettusrowlandfh.com.
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will remain with all who knew her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
The Family of Cassandra J. Chairs
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
