Frances Irene Chapman
August 17, 1915 ~ March 28, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Frances Irene Day Chapman, long-time resident of Asheville, North Carolina died peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Baptist Retirement Home. She was 94. A native of Selma, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late William James Day and Bertha Irene McFerrin.
Frances graduated from Athens College, Athens, Alabama with a degree in drama and dance. She was married on November 25, 1939 in Columbus, Mississippi to Jesse P. Chapman, Jr.
She served as past president of the PTA and the Asheville Christian Women's Club, and she was active in the Buncombe County Medical Society Auxiliary. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Asheville, teaching Sunday School and serving on various committees. In addition to her volunteer work in numerous civic organizations, she worked at the library at Mars Hill College while pursuing a degree in library science. Most of all, she was a devoted wife and mother.
She is survived by her loving husband of seventy years, Dr. Jesse P. Chapman, Jr.; two sons: Jesse III (Mary) of Asheville and James (Andrea) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three grandchildren: Amy (Chapman) Longstreth, Jesse Chapman, IV and Giles David Chapman; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter Frances Elisabeth and great-granddaughter Isabella Grace Chapman.
Hers was a life well-lived. She touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her boundless energy, spirit of adventure and strong faith.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 31 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, Asheville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801 or WNC Baptist Retirement Home, 213 Richmond Hill Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.
The family wishes to thank the staff and members of First Baptist Church, and the staffs of WNC Baptist Retirement Home and CarePartners Hospice for their care and support.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting with arrangements.
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Dr. Chapman, Jim & Andrea, Jesse & Mary Byrd,
My thoughts are with all of you, in your sorrow and in your celebration of a life well lived. O, how I loved Mrs. Chapman; she always brightened my day with her gentility, her kindness, and her stories.
Love, Cyndee
How many memories our families have from the fried pies and the picnic that never was to 70th anniversary party. Your wonderful love story lives on as an example to us all. We wish you love and light and peace as we note the passing of this remarkable lady.
Mrs. Chapman has been a very special and important part of my life. I grew up next door to her since I was 6 years old and have loved her being a large part of my life. She loved working on her flowers in the yard and has a beautiful yard. I will miss her very much.
The members of Broadmoor Community Church will keep the Chapman family in our prayers.
We were solely sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and Mother.. She and Alice shared many happy times together and now they will beable to share more of them.. Dr.Jess you know if you ever need all you have to do is call the family and we will assist you in anyway possible.
May yours hearts find peace and soon fill of the many happy and wonderful memories of your wife and Mother.
Regards
David M. Weaver, (Old Man Weaver), Granny Belle,(Isabel), and Rick and Suzie(Weaver) Sparks
I have many fond memories of our time together and loved her very much. She was loving, fun and had such energy. She will be missed…I was blessed to be a part of her life. Papa…. my love to you and my sorrow for your loss.
Love,
Sheila
Dear Chapman Family,
We are saddened by the lose of Frances. She was an extremely kind and caring woman who had a smile and a good word for everyone. We loved her spirit! She could be serious or humorous depending on the situation. She was gracious and always looked for the best in everyone. Individually (Sam) and together (Claire and Sam) we felt welcome by Frances whether in the Chapman home, in church, or in the community. She was a gift to humanity! We will greatly miss her but we are thankful for her life and her legacy. Our deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Sam & Claire Gladding
Dearest Chapmans,
Love and condolences at this time in your lives. My fondest memories of Frances and the family were during our summer vacations in Asheville. You all were so welcoming and generous to my family.
I know that the Chapman bond and all the many friends that Frances and you have made through the years will help see you through.
Much love,
Meredyth
I believe as I walked by the cross that was to be covered with flowers at First Baptist Church that Frances’ spirit was there. Weren’t the extra flowers in the container beside the cross from Frances’ service? And they were available for those who had forgotten theirs! Just as when she walked among us, thoughfulness still prevailed.
My love and prayers are with all of you, her family.
Mrs. Chapman was my Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church/Asheville during the early 1960’s. She was a wonderful bible teacher. I have many fond memories of her lessons and hosting great lasagna suppers for her class, at her home. She was an inspiration to us and taught us many great truths. I haven’t forgotten her, all these years. I will keep the Chapman family in my prayers, asking that He grant you peace and thanking Him for this great Christian woman.
Mrs. Chapman was a customer of mine when I worked at the Asheville Mall. Waiting on her always put a smile on my face. My condolences to the family.
Cathey Dayton