Wanda Gail Chapman

13, 2024, after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease, in the comfort of her home.

Wanda was born on January 1, 1951, to Bobby Gene & Opal Kirk Varney, in Williamson, WV. After growing up in Pike County, KY, Wanda was a proud graduate of Belfry High School, class of 1969. She immediately began working at Taylor’s Jewelry Store in downtown Williamson and also completed accounting courses at Southern West Virginia Community College, which enabled her to secure a position in the accounting department at First National Bank in Williamson. Wanda proved to be a diligent, dependable employee and a good friend to all her co-workers.

Then she met the love of her life, Barry Chapman, in 1974. Barry, also a Pike County native from Stone, KY, had proudly served his country by enlisting in the US Navy and serving with the 1st Battalion Marine Core, 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam era, and then settled in Newark, Ohio. So, Wanda then became Barry’s bride on June 28, 1974, and together they made their home in Newark.

Wanda soon embarked on her lengthy career with State Farm Insurance, working in the Accounting Department for their Ohio Regional Office in Newark. The only break occurred was when she and Barry welcomed Heather Dawn to their family in 1976, and moved to a bigger home in nearby Heath. It was in this home that Bradley Thomas completed their family in 1981.

Having been the oldest of her six siblings, Wanda had earned plenty of experience as a caretaker, nurturer and even a disciplinarian on occasion. With four younger, rowdy brothers to keep in line, she was more than capable to raise her two youngsters with the same work ethic and values that guided her throughout her life.

To write that Wanda was a strong force within her family is definitely an understatement. She loved her siblings fiercely and was the ultimate cheerleader for each of them when they were working toward any goal – whether it was in the stands for a ballgame, or simply giving words of encouragement when facing career goals or challenges. And for her children – Heather and Brad – they were her first thoughts every morning and her last thoughts at night. She was their protector and would walk through fire for either of them. While Wanda could be brutal when asked her opinion, her blatant honesty was endearing because you knew you were getting the truth, even if it seemed to smack you between the eyes. There were times when she could administer a dose of tough love to either Heather or Brad, but it was always done with their best interests at heart.

Wanda was never given to idleness, so while the season of raising her children was a cherished time in her life, she still found time to join bowling teams and was even pretty successful playing softball. When it was their time to play a sport or march in the band, Wanda was always available to make sure Brad & Heather had what was needed to be successful. Her competing spirit was shared with her family as she passed on her love of all things Ohio State! For the life of me, I don’t understand that, but I will say, ‘Go Buckeyes!’ in honor of her. She even had a custom PT Cruiser at one time styled in her beloved colors of Scarlett & Grey.

You never knew hunger when around Wanda. She was a wonderful cook, having honed many of the southern recipes we grew up eating. Whether it was some comfort food like soup beans and cornbread, or a big spread around the holidays, there was always enough food for all in her kitchen. But even if you weren’t able to come by – you would not go hungry. She often prepared extra meals for elderly neighbors and some who may have been sick. This is just a testament to the nurturing wife, mom, sister and friend that she was. Some favorite memories include coming home after a long day and enjoying a milkshake! She could blend them better than any restaurant could prepare and she had to retire many worn out blenders over the years.

Wanda’s life entered a new season with the birth of her first grandchild, Clayton Thomas, in 2003. She had earned her new title, Nana, and she wore it proudly! She loved this little boy so much and you felt her joy just watching her interact with him. With so much experience with boys, this was just another natural step for Wanda. In 2012, a precious dark-haired princess was added when Kaylee Rae was born. Wanda finally had a matched set – a handsome grandson and a precious granddaughter.

The next season of life was very enjoyable for Wanda upon her retirement from State Farm in 2010. She finally had the time to travel with Barry and enjoy many different spots throughout the United States. Her favorite vacations were to be near the beach, which prompted their move to Longs, SC. Wanda truly had a zeal for life that could be contagious. Having been raised in Eastern KY during times that were hard, she simply picked herself up and made the best of every situation she faced. She cared for and nurtured her siblings, keeping them safe, cared for and always feeling loved. She embodied the very best qualities from each of her parents and she lived a life so well-loved. She loved with all that she had – from her husband of nearly 50 years, to her beloved children, to her precious grandchildren, and extended to her many nieces and nephews and friends – and to know her was truly to love her. She has so many cousins who share fond memories of growing up with Wanda. She would send cards on birthdays and anniversaries and when she said a simple, ‘I love you,’ it was felt because it was genuine.

Life without Wanda will be difficult to navigate. However, she left a legacy that will be a beacon to guide all who knew her to live their lives full of intention – being intentional with the people you love, being intentional with jobs and careers you pursue, and, finally, being intentional in the tracks you leave behind.

Left to continue her legacy are her husband, Barry Chapman; children Heather Chapman and Bradley Chapman; grandchildren Clayton Chapman and Kaylee Chapman; Siblings Terry Allen “Pud” (Lisa) Varney of Chattaroy, WV; Gary Lee (Darlene) Varney of Lutz, FL; Gregory Thomas Varney of Wedgefield, SC; and Lisa Ann (David) Carter of Leesburg, FL; and a host of extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 11am – 1 pm at Lee Funeral Home & Crematory, 11840 Hwy 90, Little River, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to either Crescent Hospice - https://www.hospicesc.com; or to Alzheimer’s Association - https://www.alz.org in Wanda’s memory.

Please share memories and condolences at www.leefhandcrematory.com