Lonna Marie Chapman

Lonna Marie Clark Chapman, 84, of Valdosta, passed away on March 14, 2026, at South Georgia Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

Lonna was born on April 2, 1941, in Savannah, Georgia, the only child of the late Joseph Fred Clark and Ella “Nell” Clark. She moved to Valdosta at the age of two, where she later graduated from Valdosta High School and married the late Buddy Chapman. Before his passing, Lonna and Buddy shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. She missed him dearly every single day.

After the birth of their only child, April, Lonna stopped working to become a homemaker and devoted many years to caring for her family. Lonna created a home where love was expressed in everyday acts like home-cooked meals, clothes sewn with care, and a yard she tended as lovingly as she did her family. Years later, ready for a new chapter, Lonna earned her real estate license. She truly enjoyed working, meeting people, and spent many years helping others find their dream homes.

Lonna was a long-time member of First Baptist Church and talked with the Lord every day. She was compassionate and generously supported countless charities.

She loved gardening and had a special gift for making something beautiful from even the smallest twig. Her yard was always a place of beauty and pride, filled with the flowers and plants she lovingly cared for. She was feisty and sometimes stubborn, but she loved big. If there was a television nearby, chances were good she was enjoying an episode of Gunsmoke or listening to a favorite sermon.

Lonna was a devoted daughter, caring for her mother every single day during her final years. She was a devoted wife, the most caring and loving mother, and a doting grandmother. She constantly told us how proud she was of us, and we always knew how deeply we were loved. Her proudest accomplishments were her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grand.” And Grand she was as she treasured every moment she spent with them; they could do no wrong in her eyes.

She is survived by her daughter, April; son-in-love, Robin Wright, who looked about her with so much care and compassion, some people thought he was her son, which is just how she claimed him; her grandchildren, Lane and Ella Wright, two bonus grandchildren, Kim Wright and Stephanie Hayes, and her beloved fur baby, Otis.

For over a decade, Lonna faced serious health challenges with remarkable determination and courage. Time and again she fought her way back, driven by her deep love for her family and her desire to remain present in their lives. Our family would like to offer a special thank you to Kathy Hunter, mother’s loyal companion and caregiver, for the loving care she provided during this past year.

She will be deeply missed here on earth, but we take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing with the Lord and is reunited with her husband and parents. Lonna will be remembered for her strength and courage, her spirited determination, and the extraordinary love she poured into her family.

Visitation will be held at the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com

Carson McLane Funeral Home