Virginia Ann Chapman

1932 - 2024

Virginia Ann Chapman (Warner), 91, peacefully left this world for heaven on August 7, 2024.

She was born August 18, 1932, in Snover, MI to Ervin and Roxanna Warner. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dale Sterling Chapman, son, Rev. Terrance Dale (Lynn) Chapman, sister, Shirley, & brothers, Jack and Clyde Warner.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Mike) Hoover, and son, Tim (Mary Alice) Chapman, her seven grandchildren Andrea (Jimmy) Watson, Christopher Chapman, Jennifer (Derek) Howell, Carissa (Eric) Atkins, Timothy (Rebekah) Chapman, Jessica (Brett) Howell and Michaela Hoover. She has 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Virginia graduated from Port Huron High School & then went to Central Bible Institute where she met her husband, Dale Sterling Chapman (Sterling or ""Chappie""). They were married on August 18, 1951, in Port Huron, MI and at the age of 19 she began her life as a preacher's wife at a small mission church in Sarcoxie, MO working full-time while her husband finished school.

After graduation Virginia & Sterling moved to Texas and began their ministry at Oaklawn Assembly of God in Bellmead, TX. It was there that they were blessed with their 3 children, Terry, Sherry & Timmy. In 1963, they moved to Biloxi, MS, and pastored Victory Temple Assembly of God. Besides being mom, Virginia worked full-time in auditing at Sears & Roebucks & was also very involved in the children's ministry, WMs, & playing piano – doing whatever & being wherever she was needed. Her home was always open to the military families stationed at Keesler AFB & many deep friendships were formed.

In 1979, Virginia and her husband were then led to Memphis, TN, to pastor at Frayser Assembly of God. This is where they spent the next 16 years leading the church and a Christian School. Virginia taught typing in the high school and also oversaw the church daycare. Those that were in her classes or worked with her knew she always ""strongly encouraged"" rule following no matter the age. She never asked anyone to do what she wasn't willing to do herself; she led by example.

After ""retiring"" for a short while, Virginia & Sterling were asked to lead the congregation of Solid Rock Assembly of God in Senatobia, MS. They were exceptionally proud of the new church building construction and the growth of the congregation. They ministered at Solid Rock for several years before their second retirement.

Virginia loved her extended families in Texas and Michigan – loved being ""Aunt Ginny"", and she loved her family visits to Atlanta & South Carolina. After her husband passed away, Virginia filled her life with her friends at Wesley Towers, an independent retirement community in Millington, TN. She played on the virtual bowling team, was President of the ""Friends"" group, loved to shop at Dot's boutique, & shared her ministry with anyone she encountered. Over the years, Virginia made countless relationships with the congregations & communities they served. They were also her family, and she truly loved them.

Virginia loved nothing more than playing (& beating) her family & friends at games and she loved jigsaw puzzles, word searches, & watching Password. Her monthly meetings with the ""Frayser Ladies"" where they lunched & played games (and may have gossiped a little) were near & dear to her heart.

One of our family's most precious gifts was that she prayed for every single one of us by name every single day – no matter what. For those of you who asked her to pray, please know that you were included in those prayers by name. Whether you called her ""Mom"", ""Nana"", ""Grandma"", or ""GG,"" she will be missed immensely by her entire family – although we will probably all now win a few more games! For those of you who called her ""Sister Chapman,"" a friend, or were influenced by her life, we thank you for the love you have shown her and us through the years. Most important to Virginia was her love for Jesus. She dedicated her entire life to serve Him and others, and we know she has won the ultimate game.