Jean Wheeler Chapman, 90, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2022, at the Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Facility.

Services were held graveside in Lanett, Alabama, at Oakwood Cemetery on Dec. 27. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Louie J. Chapman and Louie Charles Chapman Memorial Endowment Scholarship at Auburn University.

Jean was born on Aug. 12, 1932, to the late Alvin and Suzie Wheeler in Lanett. In her grade school years, Jean was given the nickname “brains” and with that went on to graduate as valedictorian from Lanett High School in 1950. Following graduation Jean attended college at the University of Montevallo where she studied home economics. Upon completing her studies and earning her bachelor’s degree in 1954, she went to work for the Bibb County Board of Education teaching home economics. As Jean progressed in her career she moved into a supervisor role, overseeing the Lee County lunch programs.

Jean moved to Auburn after marrying the love of her life, Louie J. Chapman, on July 1, 1973.  Although they did not share any biological children, together they loved and cared for the five children between them. Jean was an active member at Auburn United Methodist for over 30 years. She loved cheering on the Auburn Tigers, watching Law & Order and working Sudoku puzzles. Her baking was unmatched and so was her style.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Alvin and Suzie Wheeler, husband Louie J. Chapman and his two children Charles Chapman and Debbie Chapman, son Stanley Clark, daughter Jennifer Araguel, grandson IV Holt and her two brothers Charles and Cooper Wheeler. She is survived by her son George Clark, granddaughter Jade Lusk and three great-grandchildren, as well as her brother Paul Wheeler.

Thank you to Dr. Keith Fuller, the staff at Arbor Springs and Southern Care Hospice for their care of Jean during her last few months. To Nancy Flurry, you have been a rock for Jean, and I do not know what we would have done without you and your support. Thank you for loving her as your own.