Betty Jean Simmons Chapman

Betty Jean Simmons Chapman, 89, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2013, at Four Oaks Nursing Home in Jonesborough. She was born December 30, 1923, in Chattanooga, Tenn., a daughter of the late Leslie L. Simmons and Viva Johnson Simmons. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kingsport, and a former member of the Kingsport Music Club.

Betty attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with her husband, and also studied at Union College, Barbourville, KY, Columbia College, Columbia, SC, and Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, VA. She served in many capacities in the churches pastored by her husband, including sharing her exceptional talents as an organist and choir director. She also taught piano and organ in her home to both children and adults. An accomplished artist herself, Betty taught art in the elementary school when she was a young adult.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. J. Carroll Chapman; her sister, Dottie Garrison; and her brother-in-law, Davis Garrison, Jr.

Betty Chapman is survived by her daughter, Jean Garland and husband, Forrest, Piedmont, SC; two granddaughters, Shelley Snyder and Leslie Saylor, both of Portland, OR; two nieces, Judy Palmer, Johnson City, and daughter, Jennifer Walker, Roxboro, NC, and Janet Murphy and husband Ted and daughters, Natalie and Julianne, all of Nashville; two nephews, Dave Garrison, III., and wife, Marsha, and Stephen Garrison and wife Carol and their sons, Thomas and Alex, all of Johnson City; and cousin, Melvin Johnson and wife of Gray.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2013, at the First Baptist Church, Kingsport. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating and eulogy by Bill Edwards.

There will be a private family burial at East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Bob Edmonds officiating.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Garrison, Dave Garrison, III, Evan Walker, Bob Mynhier, Joel Hooker and Joe Horne. Honorary Pallbearers are Bryson Harding, Gregg Miller, and Melvin Johnson.

Those wishing may choose to honor Betty's memory by making a donation to either First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, or American Red Cross, 501 S. Wilcox Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660, or American Diabetes Association, 211 Center Park Dr., Suite 3010, Knoxville, TN 37922.