Elizabeth "Betsy" Higginbotham Chapman

Elizabeth “Betsy” Higginbotham Chapman, 74, passed away the evening of July 22, 2021 in Temple Terrace, Florida. She was born September 10, 1946 in Tampa, Fla. to Dr. Samuel Higginbotham Jr. and Esther Byrnes. She married Alton Chapman in 1971 at House of Prayer Episcopal.

Betsy graduated from University of South Florida with her BFA and her Master of Music. She taught music full time until her family grew and she began to substitute teach music and private voice lessons. Betsy most recently attended St. James House of Prayer and St. Chad’s. She was a lifelong member of The Daughter’s of the King and ‘ECW’ Episcopal Church Women.

She was a lover of music, family, friends, knives, flowers, birds, sparkly jewelry and watches. Betsy loved whole-heartedly and showed an admirable zest for life. She would dive headfirst into her passions, whether it be photography, learning a new instrument, or garden club. Betsy was a dessert first kind of person who never met a petit fours she didn’t like.

Betsy is survived by her husband Alton Chapman (Tampa, Fla.); children, Claire Chapman (Temple Terrace, Fla.), Samuel Chapman (Renton, Wash.), and Richard Chapman (Madison, Wis.); grandchildren, Silas Chapman and Willamina “Willie” Chapman (Madison, Wis.); brother, Roy Higginboth; among many other loved ones and friends.

Betsy is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday July 31, 2021 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Rd., Tampa FL, 33625 (Gunn Hwy. at Cain Rd.).

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Cornerstone Kids Inc., donation box will be available at the service or mail directly to Cornerstone Kids Inc. 2708 Central Ave Tampa, FL. 33602.

Inurnment in Garden of Memories Cemetery at a later date.