Frances Lee (Crumpton) Chapman

Frances Lee Crumpton Chapman, 89, departed this life surrounded by her loving family July 08, 2024. She was the ninth child of ten children of the late Cordellia and Enoch Jahue Crumpton, born August 01, 1934 in Haleyville, Alabama. She graduated valedictorian of Haleyville High School in Haleyville, Alabama on May 17, 1954. After high school, she completed her Registered Nurse (RN) certification at the University of Alabama and later received the Masters of Science Degree in Medicine from the University of Michigan on May 02, 1970. Commissioned in the Nurse Corps of the US Navy in 1960, Fran medically retired in 1979 as a Lieutenant Commander after providing almost 19 years of faithful service. She was very proud of her nursing which included service in Vietnam where she was wounded during a bombing in Saigon on December 24, 1964, as well as service at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, and supporting cancer research at the Naval Hospital Portsmouth, VA. Her decorations include the: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Purple Heart. Fran also enthusiastically served the Tidewater area as a real estate agent for over thirty years. She was affectionately known as the “Queen of Thoroughgood Real Estate” as she made many lifelong friends helping them find their dream homes. She especially loved helping other military families. In retirement she enjoyed many hobbies including the great love of buttons, animals – especially poodles, cruises to Alaska, thrift stores (finding buttons) and antiques. Fran is survived by her sister Ruby Mae Bryan, 94, of Haleyville, AL, six stepchildren and their spouses, twelve grandchildren and their spouses and partners, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Family include: Carl and Carolyn Chapman of New Bern, NC and their children Alysia Green, Amy LaFrenier, Gerda Jett, John Chapman, and Lauren LaMothe; Carol and Marty Britt of Wytheville, VA; Kurt Chapman of Virginia Beach; Eric and Paula Chapman of Dumfries, VA and their children Erica and Paul Chapman; Kathe and Dr. Charles Grinstead of Diablo, CA and their children Marshall and Forrest Grinstead; and Karen and Marcus Joseph of Virginia Beach and their children Mason, Laine, and Logan Joseph. Fran was predeceased by her loving husband of 29 years, Kendall J. Chapman. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park with military honors. The family requests for those who attend to please come in a colorful shirt to share Fran’s colorful life and please dress for the weather and heat. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the wonderful ladies of Westminster Hospice and Home Instead. Full sails and fair winds for eternity.