Obituary of Katherine Chapman

Katherine Ogden Fore Chapman, age 90, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on January 15, 2014. Born in Danville, Virginia on November 30, 1923 to Grace and Randolph T. Fore, Sr., Katherine and her older brother Randolph were reared in Greensboro, NC where she graduated from Grimsley High School and Kings Business College. She married John Wesley Chapman, Sr. on August 7, 1948 and moved to Durham, NC to begin their life together. There they reared two children Wesley and Carol and lived until moving to Murfreesboro, TN in 2004. Katherine retired from a full career in the accounting offices of Erwin Mills and Golden Belt Manufacturing Company. Over the years she was involved in the Chancel Choir and United Methodist Women of Trinity United Methodist Church of Durham, the Durham Garden Club, and the Alpha Iota Sorority. Upon moving to Murfreesboro, they became members of the First United Methodist Church. Katherine will be remembered for her listening ear for family and friends and especially, for her love for her grandsons. She was gifted in making you feel special in her presence because she delighted in people and in serving them. Also, it didn't take much for her to be ready to go when invited on a trip. Her love of travel began with numerous camping vacations along the entire east coast with her young family. Later in life there were trips to Alaska, New Orleans, and Mexico City with lifelong friends Shorty and Alyse Barnes of Durham. Several cruises with Wesley to the Great Lakes and the Caribbean, and a particular trip to Scotland with him caused her to have to get her first passport. Following John's passing in September 2006, she continued the tradition with a cruise to Hawaii with Wes and several more visits to Minnesota before her first stroke limited travel. Carol's family would often take John and Katherine on vacations to the beach. In addition, after moving to Murfreesboro, they participated in many of their grandsons' activities. They enjoyed being there as their grandsons were growing up. Katherine is survived by her son J. Wesley Chapman, Jr. of Northfield, MN, her daughter Carol Chapman Stephens and her husband Marc Stephens of Murfreesboro, TN. Her grandsons are John Marc, Daniel, Paul, and Samuel Stephens. The family would like to express particular appreciation to the staff of Community Care of Rutherford County for their dedication and attention that was afforded their mother. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Murfreesboro Funeral Home. In Durham, N.C. visitation will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2014 beginning at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home with Rev. Taylor Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Community Care of Rutherford County, 901 County Farm Rd. Murfreesboro, TN 37127