We are saddened by the loss of our mother, Nana, and great grandmother Merle Chapman, 88, of Wesley Chapel, FL. Merle was born in Postell, TN in May 1938 to Ray and Jessie (Deaver) Duncan. She graduated from Church Hill High School, afterward attending secretarial school. Merle moved to Washington DC, accepting a position with the Army Map Service. There, she met, fell in love, and married the tall, dark-haired love of her life, “Hoyt” Chapman.

After a deployment to Korea, Hoyt and Merle were deployed to Germany. There the couple became a family of three and moved back to the US in 1966. After another deployment, this time to Vietnam, the family grew to a loving household of four. After a final deployment back to Germany, the family settled in Maryland, and later in Florida.

Merle will always be known to her family as a loving mother and to many others as a second “mom” due to her kind, generous heart and welcoming nature. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Order of the Eastern Star, and an active church member.

Despite many challenges throughout her life, Merle remained strong and resilient. She will always be known as a fighter and survivor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her devoted loving husband of 66 years, Hoyt, her parents, and her siblings; Jim, Frank, Jean (Wiggins), Kate (Davis), Mary Ann (Wagner), and Preston. She is survived by her son Steve (Tammy Nelson), daughter Suzanne (Dave Morrow), 4 grandchildren; Maria Chapman, Alisha Chapman, Abigayle Chapman, Samantha Morrow, 6 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.  Philippians 4:13