Mary J. Chapman

March 13, 1942 - February 19, 2022

Mary Josephine Chapman was born in Bristol, Virginia on March 13, 1942. She was the 9th child of William Ross Smith and the 5th child of William Ross Smith and Martha Lavenia Brown. Mary Chapman was a graduate of “The Douglass School for Negro Students” in Bristol, Virginia where she received her high school diploma. She was always a gentle and sweet spirit person who loved helping others. Her pastimes included life’s simple pleasures of cooking, talking on the phone, watching sports, especially football, and caring for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great -great grandchildren. One thing for certain, she loved to redesign the interior of her home; she would paint the interior of her “house” until she couldn’t. Buying and replacing her furniture brought her much joy; and she restyled her home often. With her family, Mary relocated from Roanoke Virginia to Sarasota, Florida around 1989. She then relocated to Orlando, Florida in the 90’s. As a homemaker and a doting “mom and grandma” she lovingly cared for her family. Each of them believed themselves to be her “favorite.” Mary united with the New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando in 1999. Mary loved her church family and thoroughly enjoyed singing with the New Inspiration Choir of New Covenant. Mainly, a quiet person, spiritually, she always touched many people with her sweet and somewhat shy demeanor. Mary was a member of the Sunday School Ministry, The Silver Strands Ministry and Monday Night Bible Study. She loved people and they loved her back. Although she birthed eight children, many others adopted her, namely Daphane Robinson, Gylanda Henderson and others, too many to name. The Lord in His infinite wisdom deemed it timely to call our beloved Mary to her eternal resting place on Saturday, February 19, 2022. Her departure is a deep and personal loss to her family and many friends who will miss her deeply. Mary was preceded in death by her parents: William Ross Smith and Martha Lavenia Brown; daughter: Judith Jones; brothers: Carl Howard, Fred Howard, Jimmy Smith; sisters: Aurelia Howard, Lucy M. Fugate, Katheen Ferguson and Sarah J. Williams. They are in their heavenly home, ready to greet Mary with outstretched hands. “Mom Mary” leaves to cherish her memory and to carry on her legacy, her brother: Johnny Pleasant Smith; her children: David L. Smith (Barbara), Rebecca Perkins, Hawthorne (Poke) Stuart (Joanne), Vergil Marvin Stuart (Darcel), Mary Robin Stuart (Robert), Lisa Williams (Carlton) and Sidney Stuart (Ernestine). forty -two grandchildren, seventy -three great grandchildren; sixteen great -great grandchildren; an abundance of cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and friends. Notedly, Cheryl Graham, Francine Holley, Betty Berry, Linnell Pittman, Gloria Clayton, and Mary Stevens were her “Besties”. Mary loved people but she loved JESUS best and now rests in HIS bosom.