Mother Mary L. Mitchell-Chapman

Mother Mary Lee Mitchell Chapman, born in Nansemond County, VA, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 97. She would have celebrated her 98th birthday on March 11th. She was the daughter of William Clarence and Amanda Mitchell, and is survived by four children, Amanda Teixeira (Tony), and Tarra Carroll (Ernest) of Chesapeake, Ronnie Mitchell, and Louis Chapman of Suffolk.

Mary Lee was predeceased by her husband, Joe Louis Chapman, Sr., a son, William Chapman, a sister, Catherine Francis, and two brothers, William Mitchell, Sr. and Randolph Mitchell, Sr.

Mother Chapman was the matriarch and historian of the Brown, Mitchell, Batchelor, and Boyette families. She was a member of the New Mount Joy Food for Living Church for over 50 years where she served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop William P. Wiggins, Sr. and First Lady Lula Wiggins. She shared her worship experience and influenced several family members to join the church where members were referred to as the “the lively crew”. During that membership, Mother Chapman served on the Number 1 and Number 2 Usher Boards where she fulfilled the duties of treasurer for both. She was also a member of the Mother’s Board, the Willing Workers, and the Deaconess Board. During her later years she became a member of The Living Word Ministry, under the leadership of Dr. William P. Wiggins, Jr. where she was the church Mother. Mother Chapman had many friends, some who adopted her as their other Mom.

A woman of remarkable strength and determination, she lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith, resilience, and devotion to her family. She was known for her strong will, wisdom, and unwavering love, leaving an impact on generations.

Mother Chapman deeply treasured memories made with her 10 beloved grandchildren: Earl Graves Asar (Kelly), Kelvin Graves (Jesinia), Tasha Harris, Ronnie Gay (Ciara), Cherrelle Carroll, Earnest Carroll, Jr., Eric Carroll, William Perry, Danielle Perry, and Anitra Barnes. She was also blessed with 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. In a very special way, she will be unapologetically mourned by Alice Mitchell (sister-in-law), Emma Montgomery (niece), Dorothy Wilkins (cousin), and Delores Watkins (cousin), who she referred to as her “other children”. Additionally, she will be greatly missed by a host of very special nieces and nephews and other family and friends. Mother Chapman worked hard in several industries including Georgia Pacific (paper manufacturing), The Butter Dish (basket manufacturing), and several peanut factories. Although she loved and had a knack for floral arranging and hair styling, her favorite and most cherished undertaking was that of a gourmet soul food cook! Everyone loved Mary Lee’s culinary expertise. No doubt, if TOP CHEF had been around back then, she would have won HANDS DOWN!!! Anyone who really knew Mother Mary Lee Chapman also knew that after cooking, her favorite pastime was to enjoy any Tyler Perry movie. She watched them so many times that she could say the lines along with MADEA!

Mother Chapman will be remembered for her enduring love for her family, her church, and her unwavering spirit. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the memories she created. She will be deeply missed.

A "Sweet Memories" service will be held 4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held noon, Friday, March 6, 2026 at Oak Grove Baptist Church. She will be entombed at Meadowbrook Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity, compassion, and care have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.