Dorothy M. Chapman

Dorothy Chapman, 93, of Alma, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016 at her home. She was born July 7, 1922 in Cleburne, TX to the late Hayden and Esther Rodgers. She was a retired Civil Servant at Fort Sill and Fort Chaffee. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Alma, loved to travel, and loved her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Chapman; two sisters, Ruth Hutson, and Gladys Brewer; and a brother, Joe Rodgers.

Dorothy was often described as feisty, spunky, a hoot, and funny, among other words that described her charming character; who never met a stranger. She was an amazing mom who always put her children first. She instilled in her children a love for God, animals, and all of His creations. She also instilled in them the importance of being kind and considerate of others, and led by example.

She had a passion for exploring – venturing out to “see what was on the other side of the hill.” One of those hills led her to work with the occupied forces of Japan for five years. It was there that she met and married her husband, Bill.

She is survived by two daughters, Chris DeMonja of Brigham City, UT, and Katy Chapman of Alma; a son, Fred Chapman of Colorado Springs, CO; an adopted daughter, Nancy Stevens of Van Buren; ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.