Mary Frances Stone Chapman

December 25, 2020

Mary Frances Stone Chapman was born December 3, 1933, daughter of the late Chapin Newell Stone of Springfield, MA and the late Frances Egerton Stone of Louisburg, NC. Although she was born in Scarsdale, NY, Mary Frances cherished her southern roots and her many relatives in eastern NC. After elementary school, her father’s banking job took the family to Washington, DC. where she spent the majority of her childhood. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School, Holton Arms junior college and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1955.

While in Chapel Hill, Mary Frances made many lifelong friends in the Chi Omega sorority. She was a devoted Tar Heel basketball fan who rarely missed a game. After college she was recruited and served in the Central Intelligence Agency. She was most proud of her service to our country and was fiercely patriotic. She often mused she was 007 before James Bond.

In August 1958, she was visiting friends in Charlotte, NC where she met the love of her life, John Edward Chapman, Jr. (Brick). Although Brick’s golf game prevented him from being on time for their blind date, Mary Frances told friends that weekend that she had met the man she was going to marry. She loved his wonderful upbeat personality and Brick thought she was such a stitch. Mary Frances and Brick were the perfect match for over 51 years. Mary Frances had a witty charm about her and a true zest for life. She loved a good story and could tell one too. Her family and friends remember her as kind, full of surprises, and above all loyal. With a huge heart and wonderful spirit, everyone who knew Mary Frances knew she loved to laugh. She constantly preached to her children that laughter was the best medicine.

Mary Frances was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother always putting her family above all else. She and Brick built a wonderful life in Charlotte raising three children. She dedicated herself to teaching her children and grandchildren the importance of family, character and education. She was an inspiring tutor and advocate for so many children at Charlotte Country Day School. She was a passionate genealogist and commented often that everyone has a story to tell. Mary Frances enjoyed many clubs, organizations and activities. Among her favorites were: The Charlotte Country Club, Junior League of Charlotte, the Booster Club at Charlotte Country Day School, The Charlotte Assembly, The Mint Museum of Art, The German Club, and the Colonial Dames of North Carolina,

A dedicated traveler, Mary Frances loved her adventures visiting countries all over the world with her family and friends. She was especially fond of the Junior League sustainer trips and loved to shop for antiques wherever she was much to Brick’s dismay. But her favorite destination was always Linville, NC. Mary Frances loved the summers in their special place in Linville where she enjoyed close friendships, golf and bridge.

Mary Frances is predeceased by her husband John E Chapman Jr. (Brick), and is survived by her children, Frances Chapman Mangan (John), Charlotte, NC, Mary Latta Chapman, Alexandria, VA and John Edward Chapman III (Elizabeth), Chapel Hill, NC. She was affectionately known as Gran by her six grandchildren; Frances Wesley Mangan, NYC, Elizabeth Ashley Mangan, NYC, Caroline Chapman Mangan, Chapel Hill, NC, and William Penman Chapman, Edward Stone Chapman and John Hall Chapman of Chapel Hill, NC.

In her years at Southminster, she accepted her limitations with grace and humor. She never lost the twinkle in her eye or her sweet demeanor and we will miss her everyday. The family is enormously thankful to the compassionate staff at Southminster and her loving caregivers, Nse Eyo, Aisha Sillah, Dorothy Jackson and Carolyn Thomas. We are forever grateful to Mary Graham whose love and support enabled Mom to live as fully as possible during her battle with dementia. Her caregivers sacrificed for her and loved her as only best friends could. In addition, the family would like to thank hospice and especially our hospice nurse, Kya.

The family will have a private memorial celebration at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Please join the family via livestream through the Myers Park Presbyterian Church website. http://myersparkpres.org

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to any of Mary Frances’s favorite charities: the Linville Foundation (P. O. Box 99, Linville, NC 28646), Myers Park Presbyterian Church, (2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207) and Southminster Community Fund (8919 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Patricia Melim

    I’ll always cherish my happy memories with Mary Frances and Brick we had so much fun and laughter.They were such a wonderful couple and true friends.Love always,miss you always.A great lady .

  • Allie Willis

    Praying your strength during this most difficult time for your family in the loss of your beautiful mummy.
    Love Allie(Renata’s Sister)

  • Rick Stack( Coach Stack)

    John,
    I just wanted to give my condolences on the passing of your mother. It was always a pleasure to see her at our football games and she was always such a positive woman and carry herself with such grace.

  • Kate and Rob Thomas

    Latta,
    We're so sorry to learn about your mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.