Jacquelyn "Jackie" Marie Chapman, was a local educator who had many passions in the eras of her life. First and foremost was her family. She devoted her entire life to the love and care of her family, who deeply love and treasure her. She cherished her times with friends as well.
Jackie, 93, passed away on December 30, 2023, surrounded in her final hours by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jackie was born in 1930 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, the daughter of Alice (Reynolds) and Myron Kelsey. She graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, Class of 1948, Cleveland Heights, OH. She loved her years there, participating in women's field hockey and singing in choir. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, her classmates frequently asked her to sing solos for special dances and events. After graduation she received training for and worked as a nurses' aide.
She attended Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa, where she met her future husband. She left after one year to marry this college sweetheart, Cecil Grant Willis. They had four children-in four different states-while she supported her husband during his time in the United States Army during the Korean War, and his pursuit of higher education.
In each of the places where they lived, Jackie jumped in with both feet wherever there was a need. From Cub Scout den mother to piano teacher, to church women's leader, she was always there with a quick mind and leadership.
When faced suddenly with her husband's death --when their children were aged 18 months to 12 years old-- she forged a new path, moving with the children to Bradenton, FL, where her retired parents resided. There she decided to become a teacher, as a way to spend the most time with her own children. She attended Manatee Junior College in Business for two years while also teaching night classes there, then commuted to South Florida University in Tampa, FL, to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education.
After graduating, she taught at Southeast High School in Bradenton. She had a love for the work, enjoying the time instructing young students. She especially took pride in establishing computer education before there were even computers in the classroom! In 1976 she met the second love of her life, Dr. David W. Chapman, of Independence, MO, through church affiliations. David had also lost his first spouse, the mother of his five children. Together, Jackie and David formed a blended family.
With her two youngest daughters, Jackie joined David in Independence. There, she worked in education again, teaching women business and professional skills, especially for those who may have been re-entering the workforce.
In 1985, Jackie returned to Bradenton to be caregiver to her mother, Alice. Shortly thereafter, David retired from his medical practice in Independence to join Jackie in Bradenton, where he entered into a local medical practice.
When Jackie's mother died, Jackie went into substitute teaching and taught at local high schools in the Bradenton area until the age of 86. Her love of teaching was boundless.
Jackie was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ church, formerly RLDS, serving in many volunteer capacities. She had many interests, including knitting, crocheting, gardening, and soaking up time outside on the beach or at their home.
Jackie was predeceased by her youngest child, Kathleen (Kathy) Dawn, in 2007. In addition to her husband David, she is survived by her daughters Rebecca Willis Shantz of Iowa, Deborah Willis of Texas, son Daniel Willis of Bradenton; grandchildren Kristin Barlow (Christopher), Kelsey Paul Shantz (Alexander) and Caleb Willis-Peacock; great-grandchildren Lily, Ava and Maggie Barlow; sisters-in-law, Nancy Chapman Hall and Virginia Martin. Jackie deeply loved her step-grandchildren and those who joined the family throughout the years.
Visitation will be held 1 PM, Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, with a Celebration of Life to follow. A Graveside service will be held 12:30 PM, Monday, January 8, 2024, at Sarasota National Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests those who wish to remember Jackie in a special way may make a donation to the American Association of University Women, of which Jackie was a member, at this link or by visiting http://bit.ly/AAUW_Jackie.
Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/brownandsonsfuneral
FUNERAL HOME
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton
604 43rd Street West
Bradenton, Florida
UPCOMING SERVICE
Graveside Service
Jan. 8, 2024
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sarasota National Cemetery
