Dorothy Gibbs Chapman passed away on April 17th at her home. Mrs. Chapman was 91 years old. Her parents were the late J.R. Gibbs, Sr. and Mamie Harper Gibbs. She was married to the late Lamar Chapman.
Mrs. Chapman was educated in Irwin County and graduated with honors from Mystic High School. She attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for two years and met her future husband, Lamar Chapman during that time. She received her Bachelors and Master degrees in Home Economics from the University of Georgia and started teaching Home Economics in 1953 in Irwin County, where she retired after 33 years. She was a very active member of her school and community and was named Teacher of the Year several times. She served as District Supervisor of Future Homemaker of America and was adviser to many state officers over the years. Many of her students followed her in her career and are scattered all over Georgia. Mrs. Chapman influenced many young ladies to pursue this career. She was a member of the Home Economics Fraternity, Phi Upsilon Omicron, at UGA. She was a local member and officer in Irwin County Beta Pi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma education sorority, the Retired Teacher Organization, and Pilot Club. Mrs. Chapman enjoyed her church, Pinetta Baptist, and her family. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed all church and family activities.
Mrs. Chapman was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lamar Chapman, her brothers, J.R. Gibbs, Jr. and wife, Grace, and Randolph Gibbs. She is survived by sister-in-law Jane Gibbs of Moultrie, nephews Earle Gibbs, Reggie Gibbs (Dixie), Keith Gibbs (Connie), Andy Gibbs, and niece Angela Gibbs White (William), as well as great nieces, Keri Gibbs Tucker (Andrew), Haley Gibbs Spell (Ashley), Jennifer White Pace (Travis), Leia Gibbs Wilkerson (Chris), Billi Gibbs Faust (Ken) and great nephews Perry White (Hayley), Aaron Gibbs (Kara),and Dacey Gibbs, and a special friend and caregiver, Micki Dewitt, as well as several great, great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beta Pi Scholarship fund, c/o Pam Haire, 1229 Waterloo Highway, Chula, GA 31733.
A private family funeral followed by graveside burial will be held.