Harriet Chapman Ervin

Harriet Chapman Ervin passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022 following a brief illness. Harriet was born on June 11, 1950, the fourth child of Charles Henly and Mary Myers Chapman of Smithfield, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her brother and sisters, Charles Henly Chapman Jr., Louise Holland Chapman, and Mary Augusta Chapman Montony.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Reid Hart Ervin, and her daughters, Alexandra Henly Ervin (Norfolk, VA) and Mary Reid Ervin, husband Chad Andrew Husko and grandson Noah Hart Ervin Husko (Chicago, IL). She is also survived by extended family members Stephen Collins Ervin and Vicki Ervin, Diane Ervin Sumerlin and Chris Sumerlin and nieces Susan Nungessor, Kimberly Lorenzen, Sandy Pilkington, and Lauren Brown, and nephews Danny Sumerlin and Bret Ervin.

Harriet was an active member of the Smithfield High School class of 1968 where she demonstrated her enthusiasm for her school as a cheerleader. Her passion for the arts led her to Stratford College and the United States International University in San Diego, California where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music. Harriet enriched and connected with hundreds of primary school children during her 25-year teaching career in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake public schools - and further advanced her own education with a Master's in Special Education from Old Dominion University during that time. In the midst of her teaching career, she shifted gears to feed her passion for the arts as a member of the Board, Marketing Director and Operations Manager for the Virginia Symphony.

She was a dedicated companion to her husband through his military service during the Vietnam War era, with homes in Point Loma, Coronado, and Del Mar, California. Harriet may not have worn a uniform, but she served and sacrificed alongside her husband - providing strength, comfort, joy, and stability - and keeping a Nation stronger for it.

Harriet was an avid gardener and a fantastic cook. Often found in the backyard harvesting her latest crop, Harriet's culinary prowess brought family and friends together through food. She had a broad love for the arts and music which conveyed through her substantial classical music collection. She had a knack for crafting and often made wreaths, knitted, and sewed. Always the teacher, Harriet created opportunities for her girls to learn through the artistic disciplines at a young age. She was passionate about traveling and enjoyed many summers at the family cottage in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where she created jams, took solace in the water, and spent quiet afternoons reading on the porch.

Harriet will be honored with a graveside service at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Smithfield, VA on Thursday, January 5th at noon - a celebration of life will immediately follow at the Smithfield Inn. In lieu of flowers, Harriet requested donations to the Elizabeth River Project, the Boothbay Region Land Trust, or a historic, educational or environmental charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com