Fredda Deloris Chapman

1931 - 2016

Fredda Deloris (Scroggins) Chapman
1931-2016
Fredda Deloris (Scroggins) Chapman, beloved wife and mother, died October 26, 2016, in Houston, her home of fifty-four years. She was born in Malakoff, in East Texas, to Fred and Avis (Matthews) Scroggins on February 14, 1931. She entered the world with a zest for life and shared her sense of joy with family and friends from earliest childhood.
Life at home was idyllic, but the Great Depression forced the family to move to Beaumont. Fredda saw it all as a bigger adventure and immersed herself in school life. She was a dedicated student, outstanding athlete, and talented performer in multiple choral groups.
The only real tragedy of her life, that her natural optimism could not conquer, was the death of her dearly loved mother, when Fredda was twelve years old. She suddenly was in charge of cooking and housekeeping for the surviving family of four. Still, she made it to school every day, kept up her activities, and got a job as soon as she looked old enough.
Fredda graduated from Beaumont High School with the Class of 1947. She entered the junior college program at what is now Lamar University, studying speech and drama. She also appeared in class and community plays, making life-long friends everywhere. After completing her associate's degree, she enrolled at Texas Woman's University, with the help of a scholarship.
At what was then "dear old TSCW", Fredda continued her theater studies and played leading roles in a wide variety of campus productions. She was often cast in classic male roles, due to her height and athleticism. She never objected, saying those were always the best parts.
Fredda received her bachelor of science degree in 1951. She joined the high school faculty at Silsbee, Texas, experiencing the typical, hectic life of a first-year teacher. She loved every minute of it, but family needs called her back to Beaumont full-time.
She married there and left Texas for the first time. Her travels ultimately took her as far as Indonesia. Her daughter, Susan Karen Hooper, was born along the way.
That marriage did not last, but Fredda found true love when she met Henry Alvan Chapman, at her sister's wedding. They were wed in Houston in 1962. Caring for her new family was Fredda's greatest joy in life, and she immersed herself in school, youth, charitable, and community volunteerism, as well. Fredda returned to teaching when her daughter was older.
She started as an H.I.S.D substitute teacher and finished as a certified special education teacher, with advanced degrees. The final phase of her career was spent at T.H. Rogers special campus, where she had been a member of the founding faculty. Through her last day of teaching, Fredda made fundamental differences in her students' lives; she remained in touch with them, and their families, until the end of her life.
Once retired, Fredda and Henry traveled extensively around the country and abroad. Favorite trips included seeing Key West, Colonial Williamsburg, San Francisco, and New England in the fall. Overseas highlights were London, Paris, Vienna, and a tour of Greece and Rome. Closer to home, they enjoyed weekend trips to Austin for Longhorn football games.
Very late in life, Fredda's spark was dimmed by Alzheimer's Disease, but the warmth of her love for life and people could not be extinguished. She was wife, mother, aunt, and friend to the end.
Fredda Chapman was preceded in death by her older sister, Marie Duffy; younger brother, James K. Scroggins; sister-in-law, Dorothy Mae Hall; and brother-in-law, Austin R. Duffy.
She is survived by her husband and daughter and her sister-in-law, Geraldine Scroggins. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and their spouses; Eileen Huckabee: Holly and John Richardson; Sherri Scroggins; Kyle and Stefanie Scroggins; Amanda and Don Mabry; Kevin and Nanci Scroggins; and Keith and Joy Scroggins. Additional survivors include two great-nieces and seven great-nephews; numerous great-nieces and -nephews; and many cousins.
Fredda loved all of them and the innumerable friends she found over a lifetime. Her family gives thanks for their loving support throughout the years. Special thanks are given to her home caregivers, Ola and Tina; without them, Fredda could not have spent her last year at home, where her happiness always lay.
In celebration of her life, a memorial service will be held at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at two o'clock in the afternoon. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Alzheimer's Disease research, your local Humane Society, or the children's charity of your choice.