Lucy Anne Chapman

Lucy was born in the Territory of Hawaii on December 18, 1930, to William Preston Grace, Jr. and Bessie Stagg Grace. She married William “Bill” Hanell Chapman on June 30, 1962, at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia.

Lucy was a lifelong educator who dedicated her career to nurturing young minds. She taught in the public school system, at the American School in Germany, and most recently at Annandale United Methodist Church Preschool. Never one to embrace retirement, Lucy continued teaching cooking and science to preschool children, sharing her enthusiasm and curiosity with generations of students.

Although Lucy was a dedicated teacher, she was a mother first. She devoted herself to raising her two children, Susan and William, and later played an important and loving role in the lives of her three grandchildren, Noemi, Cole, and Sarah. Her care, encouragement, and steady presence were a gift to her family.

Beyond the classroom, Lucy had a passion for learning and creativity. She continually expanded her talents through needlepoint, chair caning, knitting, and quilting, producing beautiful handmade pieces cherished by family and friends.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Chapman, and her brother, Bill Grace.

She is survived by her children, Susan (Steve) Howland and William H. Chapman, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Gail Grace; her grandchildren, Noemi Howland, Cole Howland, and Sarah Chapman; and her nieces, Laurie Grace and Lisa Stevens.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Little White Church at Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with a reception immediately afterward.

Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen in support of breast cancer research at www.komen.org.

The family of Lucy Grace Chapman wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to her local friends, who became like family over the years through their kindness, friendship, and support.