Lisa Jeannine Chapman

My name is Lisa Jeannine Chapman and, oh, what a life I have had and what a story to tell!

I was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on Feb. 4, 1955, to Betty and William Chapman. The world was a different place then. Society encouraged my parents to hide me away. They knew better. How can you hide the sun?

A year after I was born I was blessed with my Leigh. We shared laughter, love, and the secret language of sisters. I trust her to tell my story here.

My mother gave me life and my mother and father gave me a life. I couldn't have asked for more loving parents. They were my teachers and champions. My parents gave me the world when they taught me how to read. My father shared his love of music and western literature and taught me to play the piano. My mother shared her interest in Girl Scouts and became a leader when she found out there was no troop at my school for myself and other girls. She chose a career in art and, when I was born, she chose me. I loved living at home and she made this possible. My parents gave me the gifts of words and song.

My family took me on a journey with them. I have walked along the arched stones and pathways of the San Antonio River Walk. I have seen the ocean from a Florida beach and gazed at the Golden Gate Bridge from a different shore. I have been to the forests of Idaho and Oregon and the canyons of Utah. I have seen the vibrant colors of Mexico and the brilliant sunsets of Montana.

I danced with grace and joy. I played the piano. I lifted my voice in song to sing "You Are My Sunshine" to those I loved. I loved books and read the stories of Mary Poppins, Nancy Drew and so many westerns. I loved writing stories and plays and working puzzles. I loved football, my Dallas Cowboys, and meeting Tony Dorsett. I loved watching Jeopardy and country music awards with my mother. I loved eating out and going to Barnes and Noble, always with my purple Gameboy in my hand. I loved animals and know my mother shall now be giving our kitty, Blanche, an extra pet for me. I was kind, gentle, loyal, intelligent, forgiving and patriotic. I gave the best hugs imaginable.

I always said I wanted to be a registered nurse, but my family said I had the soul of an actor. They said I could have walked the floor of a stage and heard the rustle of the theatre's curtains. They said you hadn't seen anything until you saw my imitation of James Cagney (and they were right)! Life was my stage and my play was not really about places and dates. My play was about people.

I have the joy of my mother, Betty, and my father, Bill. My mother can take comfort in knowing the last song I sang, "Happy Birthday," was just for her. I have the joy of my sister, Leigh. She can take comfort in knowing I had my last dance with her, a dance with our hands, and I know "Seminole Wind" is now her favorite song. I have the joy in seeing Leigh marry her T.J. and loving him as my brother. He can take comfort in knowing I gave my last earthly hug to him. I have the joy of my niece, Megan, and my nephew, Ryan, and knowing I was their first friend. I have the joy in seeing the happiness of Megan and her John when they married and, when their son, Louis, was born, having him placed in my arms. I have the joy in knowing Louis would have also called me his first friend. I have the joy in knowing Ryan has his Maggie and seeing their happiness together. I have the joy in knowing Ryan came back to see me just so he could give his first friend one last hug.

I have many relatives who live far away. I always spoke with joy of my Aunt Barb, my cousin, Kelly, and my cousin, Julie. I have beautiful friends and remember some of them here-Nikki and the angel she gave me and her sweet cards; Lona with her gifts and warm hugs; Ann, Shane and their family's special celebrations; Krystina and her happy memories of dancing with me; Elaine with her gentle words and prayers; Pat and his wonderful smile; Tammy and her exuberance and patience in teaching me my ribbon dance for gymnastics; Patrick and his kindness and his parents, Kathy and Tom, who brought such fun to my football seasons and gave me a cherished plaque; Carol and her laughter and getting hot chocolate at Montana Jack's; Dr. Tanner, Lynn and all the special people who made going to my dentist fun; my friends at Albertsons and getting hugs from Wayne. I remember, when it was time to say goodbye, the comforting and caring nurse's hands of Shelly.

I am now with my beloved father. I am with my Grandparents Bogart and my Grandparents Chapman. I am with my Aunt Marijane and Uncle Jim. I can visit with my minister, Keith Torney, and be blessed again with his compassion and humor. I can pet my little dogs, Milli and Will, and listen to my favorite author, Terry C. Johnston. He was so kind to me in life and now he can tell me all his new western stories. I am with my friend, Tim, who has been waiting for many years to dance with me again. I am surrounded with love.

A celebration of my life shall be held at 1 p.m., Aug. 8 at the Smith West Chapel located at 304 34th Street West. If you would like to remember me please just give someone you love a "Lisa hug" and sing "You Are My Sunshine." Thank you all for my wonderful life.

You are my sunshine!

Lisa, you are our sunshine.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting smithfuneralchapels.com.