mary jane chapman blalock
1920-1966
Life Story
Early Life and Family
Mary Jane Chapman Blalock was born on March 13, 1920, in Newton County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Dump Chapman (1893–1980) and Nellie Loper Chapman (1903–1995) and grew up within a large family rooted in the Saint John community.
By 1940, Mary Jane had completed her third year of high school, reflecting an educational attainment that exceeded that of many African American women of her generation in rural Mississippi.
Marriage and Children
Mary Jane married Tommie Frank Blalock (born 1924). From this union, the following children were born:
- Thomas J. Blalock (born 1944)
- Jennie Blalock (born 1948)
- Louise Blalock (born 1949)
- Wilma Jane Blalock (1956-2019)
- Katherine Blalock
- Kenneth Blalock
- Dawson Blalock
- Richard Blalock
- Nellie Blalock (Jenkins)
- Darrin Blalock
Migration North
Census records indicate that Mary Jane was living in Newton County, Mississippi, in 1950, where she was married and keeping house. Sometime after the 1950 census, Mary Jane and her husband joined the broader Great Migration north. By 1956, the family was living in Joliet, Illinois, where their child, Wilma Jane Blalock, was born.
This move reflects a common pattern among Chapman descendants and other African American families seeking industrial employment and greater opportunity outside the segregated South.
Later Years and Death
Despite relocation to Illinois, Mary Jane maintained close family and cultural ties to Newton County, Mississippi, where many members of her extended family remained active in church and community life.
Mary Jane Chapman Blalock passed away on September 7, 1966. She was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, among members of the Chapman family whose lives remain closely connected to the church and surrounding community.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
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