Chaplean Boutwell Vastakis

Mrs. Willie Chaplean Vastakis, age 87, of Macon, Georgia went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The family will greet friends and relatives at Snow’s @ Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3969 Mercer University Drive on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Snow’s @ Macon Memorial Park with Rev. Len Woodard officiating. Burial will be in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or those wishing to make donations, the family suggests Brightmoor Hospice, 115 Arkwright Landing, Macon GA 31210.

Chaplean was born on July 7, 1937, to the late Susie Bowen Boutwell and George Washington Boutwell of Eastman, Georgia, and predeceased by her seven siblings, Theril Boutwell, Flurnoy Boutwell, Frank Boutwell, Bob Burdick, Vesta Jarmusik, Betty Zibell, and James “Sonny” Boutwell.

Chaplean and her husband, the late John D. Vastakis, lived a long and fruitful life, raising six children and establishing an iconic local restaurant business, Johnny V’s. As an active co-owner and founder of the restaurant, Chaplean was still making biscuits, taking orders, and ringing registers well into her mid 70s. Her home-made chocolate birthday cakes are still fondly remembered and much discussed among her family.

Chaplean was an Atlanta Braves fan who never missed a chance to watch them play while enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea. She loved fishing and always enjoyed wetting a hook when she could find the time to do so. She spent countless hours in her yard with a rake in her hand or sitting at her picture window watching her bird feeder. As a member of Parkway Baptist Church, she loved singing hymns and cherished the fellowship she found there.

Chaplean was predeceased by her husband, John D. Vastakis, her three sons, Jimmy J. Vastakis, Michael J. Vastakis and Gus J. Vastakis, and by her daughter, Amalia V. Smith.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Skip) Land of Gray, son, George (Tina) Vastakis of Macon, daughter-in-law, Linda Vastakis of Macon, grandchildren, Scott (Katie) Land, Johnny (Jessica) Vastakis, Anna (Benjamin) Kilgore, Aislinn (Keith) Wade, Brian (Carrie) Land, Hannah (Brett) Revell, Alisa (Jamie) Musgrove, Jennifer (Elliott) Schmitz, Kristen (Sterling) Combs, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express your condolences.

Snow’s @ Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.