My grandmother, Catherine L. Chapman, was called home to be with her Lord at noon on Dec. 6, 2008, from her home in Woodlawn. She had reached the age of 81..

Grandma was born on June 3, 1927, to the Rev. Clarence W. and Julia (Webb) Coats in Woodlawn. .

She met and married my grandpa, William "Junior" Chapman on Nov. 4, 1945, in Morganfield, Ky. He preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 1999..

Besides being the most wonderful mother, grandmother, friend and Christian, grandma was a beauty operator in her younger days. .

She was a custodian at Woodlawn Grade School for 18 years as well as the bookkeeper at the basketball games..

Grandma was a very devoted Christian. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Woodlawn as well as a member of the gospel singing group called the "Five Notes".

More recently, the community of Woodlawn had dedicated the Chapman Sports Complex to her and my late grandpa. This was in honor of the many years they had helped with the Little League in Woodlawn.Grandma spent a lot of time with her great-grandchildren.

She loved watching Race play baseball. She also liked to watch the Cardinals on TV, too, unless they were losing. She loved to talk on the phone, do word searches and read.

Grandma leaves behind two sons, Steve Chapman and wife Dawn of Woodlawn and Tom Chapman and wife Leta of Dix; one granddaughter, Kendra Rynski and husband John of Ashley; and three very loved great-grandchildren, Race, River and Rain Rynski of Ashley. She also had three step-grandchildren, Kim Crawford and husband Dale, Brian Quarterman and Kelly Quarterman, all of Dix. Three step great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews are also remembering her, along with sister-in-law Monda Coats of Woodlawn.

Those who preceded her in death were my grandpa, her parents, a brother, Robert L. Coats, and nephew David Coats.

Friends and family who wish may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Woodlawn. Funeral services will be held at 10a.m. Wednesday at Woodlawn Baptist Church with burial to follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn. The Rev. Derek Downs will officiate. Our family wishes that any memorials be made to the Chapman Sports Complex and will be accepted at the funeral home or church or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL, 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call (618) 242-3348 or visit hugheyfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.

(Obituary written by a family member).

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: December 8, 2008