Barbara Chapman Obituary

Barbara Ann Chapman SUMMERVILLE - Barbara Ann Chapman, 80, wife of the late Gerald T. Chapman, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2023 at her home in Summerville, SC. Barbara was born December 2, 1942 in Hazleton, PA, daughter of the late Leon R. Dixon and Margaret Decusatis Dixon. She received her Bachelor's degree in library science from Millersville University and a Master's degree in library science from Case Western Reserve University. Barbara worked as an elementary school librarian until the birth of her son, Jerry. Barbara then devoted her life to her family, volunteering, community building, and lifelong learning. She delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, led house tours at Middleton Place, and organized an annual Christmas Eve luminary in her neighborhood for 25 years to benefit the civic association. She loved music and played the piano in addition to being a member of the St. John the Beloved church choir and Singers of Summerville. She was a great enthusiast of the performing arts and a longtime member of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League and a supporter of the Summerville Community Orchestra. She participated in many projects and fundraising efforts over the years to benefit both orchestras. Together with her husband, she sponsored one of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's cellists as well as their holiday performance of the Messiah at St. Theresa's church for years. She was a member of the Ashborough Women's club, the Lowcountry Women's Social club, a bridge club, and a book club. Later in life, she earned a master gardener certification through Clemson University. She became an intrepid explorer in her 70s, traveling as far as China, the Amazon and throughout Africa. In addition to her civic pursuits, Barbara was a beloved mother and grandmother who enjoyed reading, swimming, baking delicious pies and bread, decorating for every holiday, throwing fabulous parties, and working in her beautiful garden. She had a generous spirit, a beautiful smile, and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara's honor to The Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Attn: Development Department, P.O. Box 30818, Charleston, SC 29417. Barbara is survived by one son, Gerald Anthony Chapman of Summerville; and one daughter; Marguerite Chapman Lenahan, her husband, Edward and their children, Grace and Thomas, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She is also survived by her two brothers, Leon Dixon and Anthony (Kathy) Dixon and a large extended family. Family and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 5th at 10:00 am at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 28 Sumter Ave., Summerville, SC. Rite of Committal with Final Commendation will be held following Mass at Dorchester Memory Gardens, 11000 Dorchester Road, Summerville. Friends and family may call at the James A. Dyal Funeral Home in Summerville, SC on Friday, August 4th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.