Jon T Chapman

July 30, 1946 - October 12, 2018
 

Obituary

Born on July 30, 1946 Jon Terrell Chapman transitioned from this life to the next on Thursday, October 12, 2018. He was the second son of the late Agnes Watson Chapman and Dr. William T. Chapman Jr. He was a graduate of Knoxville College and Princeton Theological Seminary where he attained first his Bachelor’s Degree in English and then a Master’s of Divinity. He was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley in 1980. Jon served the Presbyterian Church (USA) and its predecessor denomination for nearly 40 years. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

As a Presbyterian Minister Jon served first in the Synod of the Northeast in Syracuse, NY for almost 15 years, working with racial ethnic congregations and ecumenical partners. Then from 1992 forward, his calling took him to the National Office of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Louisville, KY, where for many years he was the Coordinator for Southern and East Africa. In that capacity he related to the denomination’s mission co-workers and denominational partners in many African countries. He always had a heart for Africa and her people which was nurtured by his step-father, The Rev. Clinton Marsh, and further enhanced during the time that he spent in Kenya, as a college student. One of his colleagues in South Africa says this, “The family of Chapman gave us the best to serve us, what a great man who loved the Lord, his fellow human beings, and Africa, the place of his origin. May his soul rest in peace and rise to Glory to be with His maker. Africa sends her love to you, in particular the Church in Alexandra where he visited, preached and help to build a Church.” The last three years of his ministry in the PC(USA) saw Jon’s responsibilities in the area of mission shift from churches and partnerships in Africa to those in Europe.

Jon married Patricia Lollie Ford in October of 1981. When he had leisure time he enjoyed his music, particularly jazz. Jon liked his mystery novels, watching and playing sports (especially basketball and tennis), James Bond movies and enjoying time at the beach. He was preceded in death by his Father William, his mother and stepfather Agnes and Clinton Marsh, his brothers William Theophilus Chapman III and Walter Marsh, his cousin Gary Ann Giovanni, as well has his aunts, Yolande Giovanni (Jones) and Ann Ford (Haynes Sr.).

Jon was a very private person yet he always made time for his family. He was always willing and available to offer assistance, encouragement and support whenever it was needed. There is no doubt that he will be missed. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Patricia, his stepson Darin Ford (Jamie) and granddaughter Cyanne Ford; his cousins, Nikki Giovanni (Virginia Fowler), Haynes Ford (Delores); Allison Ragan (Beau); sisters-in-law Valda McNair (Paul) and Brenna Lollie and brother-in-law Benjamin Lollie (Valerie); many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues around the world.

Memorial services will be held 12pm, Noon on Friday November 2, 2018.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…

Jon's obituary was found here...
https://www.torbertfuneral.com/obituaries/Jon-T-Chapman?obId=3385977