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Martha Susan Smith Chapman

Visitation for Martha Susan Smith Chapman will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park immediately following.

 

Mrs. Chapman, 74, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after a five-year long battle with cancer. She was born on January 26, 1950, in Clarksdale, MS, to M.P. Smith, Sr. and Martha Frances Conley Smith.

 

While attending the University of Mississippi, Susan met her husband, Kendall Chapman, and the couple was married on January 23, 1972, at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church. After graduation, Susan and Ken moved to Natchez where they worked for the Natchez School District for four years.

 

In July 1976, they moved to Brookhaven where Susan began her 32-year career with the Brookhaven School District. She taught 7th grade English and worked as the school librarian at Lipsey Middle School before being appointed as the assistant principal at Alexander Jr. High School in 1983. Susan transitioned to Brookhaven High School in 1996 as assistant principal and then as the director of the Career-Technical Center in 1998. In 2002, she became the first female principal of Brookhaven High School. During her time at the high school, the football and baseball teams won state championships, the Science Bowl team received state recognition, and the cheerleading squad won a national title. She retired from the Brookhaven School District in 2008.

 

She is preceded in death by her parents. Susan is survived by her husband of over 52 years; her son James Conley Chapman (Bonnie) of Jackson, and her daughter Martha Elizabeth Chapman Simmons (Byron) of Brandon; three grandchildren, James Sullivan Chapman, Audrey Summers Chapman, and Sterling Fox Simmons; and her brother M.P. Smith, Jr., of Clinton. She is also survived by her best friend, Rosemary Britt.

 

The family would like to thank Susan's friends for their support and prayers. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Tammy Young and the Jackson Oncology Associates medical staff at the Hederman Cancer Center for their compassionate care of Susan. They will never know how much Susan appreciated their hard work, kindness, and friendship. Additional thanks to Dr. Karen Cole, Dr. Philip Ley, Dr. Rebecca Moulder, Dr. Maria G. Rappai, and Dr. Russell Young.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Media

16 comments

  • Comment Link Johnny Waller Tuesday, 15 October 2024 01:22 posted by Johnny Waller

    Mr. Chapman, Beth, and Jim, we were saddened to hear of your loss. It was an honored to have known Mrs. Chapman. She was a lady of unquestionable dedication to family, Brookhaven School District, and education. She was also an excellent boss and mentor.
    Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and she will forever be in our memory.

    Report
  • Comment Link Nora Berch Monday, 23 September 2024 19:14 posted by Nora Berch

    Ken I was so sorry to hear about Susan. I remember being in the library and you always be talking about her. My prayers are uplifting you and your entire in the day’s ahead. Prayers and Love. Nora Berch

    Report
  • Comment Link Joy Wesbrooks Sunday, 22 September 2024 17:58 posted by Joy Wesbrooks

    My condolences goes out to Ken Chapman and his family at the loss of Susan. May God bless each of you.

    Report
  • Comment Link Alan Russell Sunday, 22 September 2024 08:13 posted by Alan Russell

    Mr. Chapman, Beth, and Jim, we are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Chapman’s passing. She was formative in much of David and my childhoods. Her dedication to the school district is rarely encountered. Our prayers will be with your family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Cindy Rollins-Smith Saturday, 21 September 2024 10:31 posted by Cindy Rollins-Smith

    Ken, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family. May you be comforted with Al of your wonderful memories

    Report
  • Comment Link Ruby Nan Roach Midkiff Friday, 20 September 2024 23:00 posted by Ruby Nan Roach Midkiff

    Ken and family, I am so blessed to have known Susan, aka Dr. Chapman by many, many former students. She was loved by many. She was a wonderful Christian lady. My prayers for all of you at this difficult time, but we also rejoice knowing she’s with Jesus.

    Report
  • Comment Link Debra Henderson Friday, 20 September 2024 22:39 posted by Debra Henderson

    Mr. Chapman and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Chapman was my teacher, my mentor, but most importantly my friend! I will miss those weekly check-ins. You and the family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Report
  • Comment Link Herschel O’Bannon Friday, 20 September 2024 15:48 posted by Herschel O’Bannon

    My sincere and deepest sympathy to the Chapman Family for the loss of such a special lady. A wonderful wife, mother, friend and educator. Gone from our physical presence — but she will never be forgotten.

    Report
  • Comment Link Marilyn Brown Friday, 20 September 2024 15:22 posted by Marilyn Brown

    Ken I’m very sorry to learn of Susan’s passing. My condolences to you and the children, grandchildren and extended family.

    Report
  • Comment Link Janet Richardson Hunter Friday, 20 September 2024 10:47 posted by Janet Richardson Hunter

    This breaks my heart! Have known Susan and family a long time. Susan was a precious friend that I loved and thought so much of her! May GOD give the family strength, peace and comfort! Prayers and love!

    Report
  • Comment Link Carrie Keel Friday, 20 September 2024 08:14 posted by Carrie Keel

    Our prayers are with the entire Chapman family. Susan was an incredible friend to me and she will live forever in our hearts. Rest in peace dear friend. Love, Carrie and Garner Keel

    Report
  • Comment Link Jennifer and Greg Whittier Thursday, 19 September 2024 22:29 posted by Jennifer and Greg Whittier

    We are praying for comfort for the family and friends of Susan. A long time friend, outstanding educator, and dedicated community leader, she will be greatly missed.

    Report
  • Comment Link Peggy opiela Thursday, 19 September 2024 21:23 posted by Peggy opiela

    Dear Mr. Chapman and family, I
    I must’ve had Mrs. Chapman at Lipsey so this was very early in her teaching career. She was a wonderful teacher at that point which was the late 70’s. When I think of my favorite teachers she is right up there. She was a fair and caring teacher. I’d love to say English was my best subject but it certainly wasn’t her fault. My prayers are with you all.
    Sincerely,
    Peggy Breeland Opiela

    Report
  • Comment Link Jan Smith Williams Thursday, 19 September 2024 20:51 posted by Jan Smith Williams

    May God bless you in the days ahead with comfort, strength, and peace. Susan was a special person who will be missed greatly. The time I worked with her was a special time. God bless you all.
    Jan Smith Williams

    Report
  • Comment Link Josephine Campbell Ferretti Thursday, 19 September 2024 20:42 posted by Josephine Campbell Ferretti

    Ken and family I am so sad to hear about her passing. She was so full of life and always kept us laughing. The picture you selected was exactly the way I will remember Susan. Prayers for you Ken.

    Report
  • Comment Link Tina Smith Thursday, 19 September 2024 17:39 posted by Tina Smith

    Ken so sorry for your loss! I loved working with Susan when she was the librarian at Lipsey School! I’m just so shocked didn’t know that she was so sick! I will be praying for you & the family during the days ahead! May God watch over you & give you the strength needed to get through the days ahead!

    Report

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