nellie loper chapman
1903-1995
Life Story
Early Life and Family
Nellie Loper Chapman was born on March 14, 1903, in Scott County, Mississippi, to Willie Loper (1865–?) and Janie Loper (1882–?). She grew up in central Mississippi during a period when educational opportunities for African American children were limited. Nellie completed the sixth grade of elementary school.
Marriage and Household Life
Nellie married Dump Chapman (1893–1980), and together they established a large family household. Like many women of her generation, Nellie’s labor centered on home and family. In the 1950 census, her occupation was listed as keeping house, reflecting the unpaid domestic, caregiving, and managerial labor that sustained rural African American families.
Children
From the union of Nellie Loper Chapman and Dump Chapman, the following children were born:
- Mary Jane Chapman (1920–1966)
- Hazel Lee Chapman (1922–?)
- Willie Mae Chapman (1924–?)
- Lola B. Chapman (1926–?)
- M. Dump Chapman, Jr. (1928–1955)
- Frances Lee Chapman (1930–?)
- Henry M. Chapman (1932–?)
- Rafe S. Chapman (1934–?)
- Bobby Lee Chapman (1935-1989)
- Leo Chapman (1938–?)
- Ora Dee Chapman (1940–2019)
- Easter Chapman (1943–?)
- Orean Chapman (1945–?)
- Willye Chapman
Obituary records further document several children under their married names and confirm the family’s broad geographic spread, including residences in Mississippi, Illinois, Texas, and Tennessee. The obituary also notes that Nellie raised a granddaughter, reflecting her extended role as a caregiver within the family.
Later Years and Death
Nellie Loper Chapman passed away on April 19, 1995, at the age of 92. Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 23, 1995, at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, with Pastor DeWayne Evans officiating. She was laid to rest in the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard.
At the time of her death, Nellie was the widow of Dump Chapman and was survived by seven daughters and three sons, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and friends. Her life reflects the central role of African American women in sustaining family, faith, and community across multiple generations.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Nellie Loper Chapman Obituary, Wed, Apr 26, 1995 ·Page 15
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