Mary Chapman Woodward

Mary Anne Chapman Woodward, age 91, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 21, 2023 at Huntsville Hospital after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, George Eugene Woodward, her parents, George and Lucille Hyder Chapman, her brother, Wendell Chapman, and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by children Steven Woodward (Fran) of Greensboro, GA, Charles Woodward (Alicia) of Huntsville, AL, and Ellen Woodward Potts (Daniel) of Tuscaloosa, AL; grandchildren, Melanie Woodward, Carson Woodward, Julia Potts, Caroline Woodward, Chance Fitts, and Maria Potts; and brother Richard Chapman (Bonnie) of Dallas, TX.

Mary Anne was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1931, in Johnson City, TN, and grew up in a home beside the campus of East Tennessee State University. Throughout her formative years, many aunts, uncles, and cousins lived with her family as they attended college, cementing close bonds that lasted throughout their lives. She worked in the family’s Western Auto Store during high school and college. Mary Anne attended East Tennessee State University and graduated from Athens State University with a bachelor’s degree in English / Education.

On June 15, 1952, she married her ETSU college sweetheart and moved to Huntsville, AL, where George was employed at Redstone Arsenal. A devout, lifelong Christian, she and George were founding members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1957, and at age 26, Mary Anne was the only female among the five original trustees. She served God through her church as children’s Sunday School teacher, pianist, choir member, Church and Presbytery Moderator of the Presbyterian Women, and committee member. For many years until her death, she worked with the church’s sewing team to make children’s pillow cases for Huntsville Hospital, helmet coolers for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, clothing for orphans in Zimbabwe, and other items for the community. She also volunteered one day a week in the church office, which connected her with church members of all ages. Additionally, the church acquired and installed its current pipe organ in large part due to her persistent work.

As an accomplished seamstress, she authored two sewing instruction books in the 1970s, both approved as public school curriculum by the Alabama Department of Education. She sewed beautiful clothing, draperies, and household items for herself and her family.

During her life, she worked at Redstone Arsenal in the early to mid-1950s, was a long-term substitute teacher in the Huntsville City Schools, owned and operated an outdoor furniture store, and owned other side businesses with George. In 1958 she and George built their home, where they reared their children and where she lived until her death. As she aged, her wonderful long-time neighbors, friends, and loving church family formed a steady support system that helped her maintain her independence.

She always viewed her main role in life as that of a homemaker for George and their children, especially since George travelled frequently with his job. She loved her family dearly, and demonstrated that love every day. Mary Anne served as a boy and girl scout leader, PTA member, opera costume seamstress, and loving second mother to many of her children’s friends. When the grandchildren arrived, she loved spending time with them and was so proud of their accomplishments. For many years, Mary Anne was also the faithful primary caregiver for several elderly family members.

She and George cultivated a life-long love of travel and took frequent trips by themselves and with friends. Mary Anne visited all 50 states and 43 countries on 6 continents. She and George loved taking big family trips, with as many children and grandchildren as could come, to places like Hawaii, Colorado, Yellowstone National Park, and Scotland. Additionally, she and George traveled as members of Friendship Force, where travelers stay in homes of members around the world, and host other travelers in their own homes. Through these excursions, she made many friends around the globe.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. and the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m., both at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Marie and Bob Cloyd, her Covenant Presbyterian Church family, her neighbors, and members of Huntsville’s Friendship Force Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Music Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church (Huntsville) or to the Second Mile non-profit in Huntsville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Woodward family.