Maxine Chapman

Mabel Maxine Chapman  (née Kiser), age 92, passed away peacefully at home on December 26, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

Born on November 17, 1933, in West Virginia, Maxine as she was best known, was the daughter of Hoyt and Mabel Kiser. She graduated from Ripley High School in 1951 and after working a short time in Charleston WV where she met her husband of 44 years, Sanford Chapman, they moved to Akron, Ohio where she went on to build a remarkable career as an office administrator with Mack Trucks. Her dedication and work ethic were evident throughout her life, culminating in her retirement from R&R Truck Sales after an impressive 55 years of service.

Maxine was a devoted Christian and an active member of Grace Baptist Church in Firestone Park before becoming homebound due to dementia. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she found great joy and fellowship traveling with her church group, the Widow Might's. These trips brought her lasting friendships and cherished memories.

Family was at the heart of everything Maxine did. She is lovingly remembered by her children Larry (Marilyn) Chapman of Akron, Ohio; Patricia (Joe) Pomaranski of Plymouth, Michigan; Teresa better known as Terry or “Sissy” Chapman; and Paula Chapman-Jones, both of Akron. She was a proud grandmother to Joe (Andrea) Pomaranski, Larry (Tonya) Chapman, Gary (Chris) Chapman, Jacob Jones, Jocelyn (Brad) Hall, and Jada Chapman. Her legacy continues through her eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Nellie Parsons of West Virginia.

Maxine was preceded in death by her beloved husband Sanford Chapman; her parents Hoyt and Mabel Kiser; brothers Ray, Charles, James (Bubby), and Richard; and sisters Betty, Genevieve, and Mary.

A woman of many passions, Maxine loved spending time at home surrounded by family. She found peace in gardening and took great pride in feeding her family, neighbors and friends from her harvests. She also enjoyed returning to West Virginia to visit relatives—a place that always held a special place in her heart. In recent years, she delighted in watching the Game Show Network and often impressed those around her with how many correct answers she knew.

Maxine will be remembered for her loving spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to those she cared about. She was a caring mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor whose warmth touched many lives. May Maxine’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Funeral to be held on Tuesday January 6th, 2026 at Grace Baptist Church, 704 N Firestone Blvd Akron OH 44306. Calling hours 10:30am-11:30am, service at 11:30 and burial at Rose Hill Burial Park immediately following.

 In lieu of flowers please honor her memory with a donation to The Bus Transportation fund at Grace Baptist Church 704 N Firestone Blvd Akron Ohio 44306.

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