Theresa A. Chapman

Theresa Ann (December) Chapman April 24, 1937 – December 11, 2025 Theresa Ann (December) Chapman, of Clare, Michigan, born April 24, 1937, to Jack and Florence December, passed away surrounded by the love of a family she devoted her life to building. One of seven children, Theresa was raised in a home marked by hardship but strengthened by deep love, resilience, and faith. From an early age, she learned that where you begin does not define where you end—a belief she carried throughout her life and passed on to generations. At just 15 years old, Theresa met the love of her life, Ellwin James “Jim” Chapman. Together they embarked on a life of service, adventure, and devotion that took them around the world through Jim’s career in the United States Air Force. During his service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Theresa anchored their family, raising four children, navigating foreign countries, adapting to new cultures, and creating a loving home wherever duty called, including Norway and Japan. Military life was not easy, but Theresa had an extraordinary gift for making little into enough and enough into plenty. Known for her resourcefulness, she stretched every paycheck, canned food, and cooked meals that nourished both body and soul. Her home was orderly, her expectations clear, and her faith unwavering. She raised her children with love, discipline, humor, and pride-often issuing orders from headquarters. Theresa was quick-witted, intelligent, deeply funny, and unapologetically herself. She loved good food, conversation, and bargain hunting. Her garage shelves—famously known as the “Store of Theresa”—were stocked with treasures she joyfully shared with family. Her faith was both sincere and practical, often paired with humor and honesty. Above all, Theresa was a woman who loved fiercely. She made everyone in her presence feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. She believed in hard work, grit, and finishing what you start. When a task was complete, she would simply say, “Well, we got that job done”—words that carried pride, approval, and love. Theresa is survived by her children. Stephen (Kathy) Chapman of Cookeville, TN, Mark Chapman (Karen) of Englewood, FL, Kelly (Frank) Metz of Englewood, FL, and Carol (Dale) Majewski of Lake George, MI, many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives she touched deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Florence December; her husband, Ellwin James Chapman; her grandchildren, Michael Majewski and Franklin C. Metz IV; and her siblings, Linda Romans, Carol Kulas, Jack December. Theresa Chapman lived fully, loved generously, and served faithfully. Her life stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family. She will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery with her husband in Holly, Michigan, a place of honor reserved for those who have served their country. Surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil woodlands, the cemetery stands as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans. Her interment there reflects both her devotion to family and her enduring connection to the nation she loved, ensuring that her memory will be preserved among fellow heroes in a setting of peace and reverence. Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Visitation will be from 11 A.M. until the time of services at 1 P.M. led by Pastor Connie Bongard.

Theresa A. Chapman

April 24, 1937 - December 11, 2025