Elizabeth H. Chapman

Date published: 10/18/2009

Elizabeth H. Chapman

Elizabeth Heath Chapman of Fredericksburg and Charlotte, N.C., died Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in Fredericksburg.

Lib, as she was known to all, was born Dec. 12, 1924, in Dallas, Texas, daughter of the late F.D. Heath and Grace Kirkham Heath. In addition to her parents, Lib was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, L.O. Chapman.

Lib is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Chapman of Spotsylvania County, and four sons: Eric Chapman and his wife, Susan, of Raleigh, N.C., Doug Chapman and his wife, Julie, of Charlotte, Dennis Chapman and his wife, Terry, of New Hill, N.C., and Bruce Chapman and his wife, Mary, of Tallahassee, Fla. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and her brother Kenneth Heath of Dallas.

A member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte for more than 50 years, Lib served as a volunteer in the church library during many of those years and was active in the Women's Presbyterian Circle. Her love of books and learning were a constant source of excitement in her life.

After raising five children, she returned to college, graduating cum laude from Queens University with a degree in English. She continued her studies, receiving her Master of Arts in English at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She returned to Queens University to become a professor of English Literature.

A private memorial service for the family will be held in Charlotte.

Our family will be forever grateful for the love, tenderness and care extended to her by the wonderful staff at Hughes Home and Mary Washington Hospice. We also extend our gratitude to Covenant Funeral Services for their considerate attention.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a hospice of their choice, U.Va. Institute on Aging, Box 400870, Charlottesville, Va. 22904, or Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633.

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Date published: 10/18/2009