Mrs. Kawatha Jean Koonce, age 80 of Columbus, MS, passed away Friday, April 5, 2019, at Windsor Place in Columbus.

Mrs. Koonce was born August 26, 1938, in Vernon, AL, to the late Clovis Chandler and the late Hilda Hadaway.  She was an insurance underwriter and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, working in her yard, and sewing.  Mrs. Koonce also enjoyed working on her family genealogy and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bob Koonce; her infant son, David Andrew Hopper; her special friend, Jim Dierking; and her brother, Hollis Chandler.

Funeral services will be Sunday at 2:00 in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home with Terry McAdams officiating.  Burial will follow at Lamar Memory Gardens.  Visitation will be Sunday 1:00-2:00 prior to the service.

Survivors include two sons, Dennis (Amy) Hopper and Ken (Laura) Hopper, both of Vernon, AL; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Trey) Gilliam of Kennedy, AL, Drew Hopper of Vernon, AL, and Dillion (Brittany) Hopper of Vernon, AL; four great-grandchildren, Kemper and Finn Gilliam and Eli and Emma Hopper; one brother, Ray Chandler; one sister, Rebecca Chandler; and a host of other family and friends.