Debra Lee Chapman

Rutherfordton, NC
Debra "Debi" Lee Chapman, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community advocate, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 3, 2025. She was 72 years old.
A woman of diverse passions and boundless energy, Debi's journey took her from her birthplace in Connecticut to Florida in her youth, before establishing her adult life in Lakeside, California, and finally retiring in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Her greatest joy was found in the company of her family, including her devoted husband, Marvin Chapman Jr., whom she married on August 31, 2003.
Debi's legacy lives on through her children: daughter Sandi, son Joe, and stepson Jared; her daughters-in-law Melissa and Tamera; and her cherished grandchildren: Katelyn, Bella, Johnny, Corey, JJ, Brylan, and Chase. A few years back, she learned that she comes from a large and loving family, and memories of her will be carried on through all the Spector's and Dumas's.
In her professional life, Debi excelled as an automotive service advisor, but it was her dedication to community service that truly set her apart. As the founder of P.A.C.E. (Preventing Abuse through Community Education), formerly known as R.A.D. (Racers Against Drugs), she channeled her passion for racing into meaningful social change. Her commitment to helping others extended to her time serving on the fire crew at Cajon Speedway, where she would donate her racing winnings to Camp Beyond the Scars.
Throughout her life, Debi's love for racing remained constant, and she found ways to stay involved with race tracks wherever she lived. Beyond the track, she found joy in life's simple pleasures: relaxing with a good book during her cherished bath time, enjoying bingo nights with friends, and never missing her weekly gatherings with her girlfriends.
Debi's greatest gift was her ability to create community wherever she went, surrounding herself with loved ones and bringing people together. She maintained this spirit of connection until her final moments, passing away peacefully in the embrace of her family as she went to be with the Lord. Her family takes comfort in knowing that because of her acceptance of Christ as her Savior, they will see her again for eternity.
A Family Directed Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 224 Chimney Rock Road, Rutherfordton, NC. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.