Norma Jean Chapman

Norma Jean Chapman, 97, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family. 

Jean was born on April 4, 1927, in Jasonville, Indiana, the daughter of Howard C. and Emma J. Baker, who preceded her in death. On Tuesday, December 24, 1946, she married the love of her life, Earl “Benji” Chapman Jr., who preceded her in death on September 7, 2013. Together they built a beautiful life of faith, love and support for each other.

Jean worked for the Leader Store and Elder Beerman for 22 years. She was admired not only for her professionalism, but also for her natural ability to sense style and trends. Also, Jean was the longest living Charter Member at Lima Baptist Temple, where her faith guided her every step. While attending, Jean served as a Sunday School teacher for 25 years. 

Jean also enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and activities in which they were involved. Jean was a passionate Indiana University Basketball fan. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her Hoosiers, “Go I.U.” Jean also enjoyed playing BINGO and sitting outside visiting with her friends at Lochhaven Assisted Living. 

The family wishes to thank all the nurses and aides at Lochhaven for all the care, comfort, and love they gave our mom while she was there.

She is survived by three daughters: Alice (Danny) Scarberry of Elida, OH, Pam (Jim) Brown of Coldwater, MI, and Roberta (Mike) Bowersock of Ft. Wayne, IN; three sons: Tom (Dottie) Chapman of Lima, OH, Earl (Jan) Chapman of Paulding, OH, and Lewis Chapman of Lakeview, OH; nine grandchildren: Missy (Matt) Hohman, Rachael (Cam) Staley, Tom “T.J.” Chapman, Jason (Maria) Bowersock, Jeremy (Missy) Bowersock, Jared (Ali) Bowersock, Joy (Jeff) Brandt, Julie (Tim) Font, and Jennifer (Seth) Snow; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joan Shonk.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters: Ilia Rich, Jane Edmondson, and Pauline Bradbury.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Gary Hohman will officiate. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lochhaven Assisted Living BINGO Fund or Lima Baptist Temple.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.