Mary Lou Chapman

Mary Louise Whitney Chapman, a beautiful woman with gentle dignity, strong faith, unwavering love for family, and endless generosity, died peacefully on Wednesday, the 26th of August 2015, in Houston where she resided since 1944. On the 5th of September 1922, she was born to Richard Arthur and Glenola Coleman Whitney in Oak Park, Illinois.

Mary Lou graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Nursing degrees. During college, she met her future husband and best friend, Don Chapman, MD, with whom she shared sixty glorious years.

As a registered nurse, Mary Lou practiced nursing and early in her career helped establish, and became a lifetime trustee of, Good Samaritan Foundation, an organization that provides scholarships for educating future nurses. The Foundation made it possible for over 1,000 men and women to realize their dreams. She also volunteered with the Blue Bird Clinic for over 35 years and served as treasurer.

At First Presbyterian Church, Mary Lou served as a Bible moderator for Ruth Circle, and chaired the committee that envisioned and created the Memorial Garden. She also helped start the church’s Nehemiah Center and tutored its first students for six years giving chances to the less fortunate. The Presbyterian Women recognized her contributions with Honorary Life Membership Award.

Mary Lou was active for fifty years in Tuesday Bridge Club, formed by wives of young physicians, in Chapter E of P.E.O, and in Thursday tennis group. She and Don also worked with Stella Link Development that produced a multi-use, transgenerational neighborhood gathering place for learning, recreating, and socializing.

Besides the many friends and extended family, “Lulu” was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son, Dr. Bob Chapman. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Chapman Colb and her husband Andy, and their daughter, Anna Louise; and her daughter-in-law, Karla Chapman who has two sons, Kord and Cass, both with wives named Jessica; a great granddaughter, Natalie; and great grandson, Harland; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 19th of September, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends during a reception in the adjacent Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions in memory of Mary Louise Chapman may be directed to The Good Samaritan Foundation, 2001 Kirby Drive, Suite 1350, Houston, TX 77019; or to the Nehemiah Center, 5015 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77004.