Virginia was born February 13, 1933 to Landon and Gladys Hensley the second of three children. She was raised in Gilt Edge, Tennessee with her older sister Doris Ann and younger brother Jackie Hensley. She was a graduate of Covington High School in 1951 and went onto college in Memphis, Tennessee. She was a homemaker and worked in business Administration.

She met and fell in love against her better judgement with an ambitious young man named Miller Alvin Chapman who saw her for the first time in High School at the ripe old age of 17. A persistent fellow he courted her through school and after until she said yes! They were married the same day he graduated High School on May 9th 1952 and were blessed with over 64 years of marriage. Never was a love so true as the one God gave these two. She loved her husband with all of the passion her soul would give, never giving up, always supporting, and there at any moment for him. Their lives would take them around the world and bring them home again. They endured through hard times and great times, through sad times and happy times. We were taught what life and priorities were by her example.

From these two were born five children, four boys and one daughter. Randy, Brian, Kevin, Eric and Cindy Chapman were raised, adored, loved and blessed by her. Never was a day without a smile, always beaming with pride and always respected by the five of us. She was our silent authority, kept us from trouble and was a patient as any person could ever be with 5 kids and an Alvin to take care of. Although it wasn't often, she was the feared disciplinarian...there were no warnings we just knew the look! Mom was quick and lethal and could strip a peach tree switch faster than we could run!! She was a Saint her whole life, married to a man that adored him, as kids we often listened intently to the conversations they would have, with most of them mom would be looking at us with a wink and saying "there isn't another one like him".

Always found with a smile or a hug, her favorite form of payment was a "Yankee dime" which she offered frequently to us growing up. As children, we rightfully believed our parents' names were Now Alvin and Well Virginia Chapman! She was always willing to lend a hand, make a meal for someone or fix us a snack, she loved to see us eat well. Her pot roast, Lasagna, dressing and Cheesecake were so legendary she actually had a story done on her several years ago in the State Gazette.

Never did a birthday pass without a card, and with her sense of humor you never knew what the card would be, she searched long and hard for the perfect one we carry that tradition on fondly today! She loved to laugh and loved a prank, she had a love of family unparalleled by any; her favorite time of the year was Christmas and never was anyone to be without a gift and a hug. She loved her family fed and cherished anytime the family could come together to celebrate and enjoy a meal, nothing gave her more pride than looking down that long table and seeing the joy of her family together.

She loved a bargain, hunting always for the special of the week and taught to be thrifty as she would not be denied the thrill of the hunt. She loved crafts, needlepoint, knitting and sewing. If she saw it she would make it, if she couldn't make she would find it on sale!

She was a Christian who believed and led a life honorable of her Lord and Savior, she was the perfect example of love and forgiveness, sacrifice and service. Through her, we are all stronger and better people.

She taught us to laugh at ourselves and believe in ourselves. Her smile and laugh were infectious; you could not see or hear either without finding your own. Heaven has gained our angel on earth; until we all meet again we will love our memories of our greatest blessing...Our Mom!

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Phillips Street Church of Christ with Bro. Mike Kizer officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Phillips Street Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by parents Landon and Gladys Hensley; her sister, Doris Ann Yarbro and her brother, Jackie Hensley.

She is survived by her husband Miller Alvin Chapman, son Randy and wife Paula Chapman; son Brian and wife Lori Chapman; son Kevin and wife Linda Chapman; son Eric Chapman; daughter Cindy Robertson and husband Steve. Grandchildren Zachary and his wife Kristin Chapman, Ashley and her husband Josh Ramsey, Lauren Chapman, Dillon Chapman, Brandi and her husband Patrick Burris, Jessica Chapman, Jacob Chapman, Evan Chapman and fiancé  Lindsay Kohr, Easton Chapman, Emery Chapman, Evie Chapman, Luke Robertson and Abby Robertson and 26 great-grandchildren.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.