Mary Johnson Chappell

Mary Johnson Chappell of Barrett Town Road Zuni, Virginia entered into the eternal arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 12:11 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2019. She was preceded in death by her mother Daisy Faulk Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, Charles E. Chappell, her father William W. Johnson, Sr., sisters Rachel Osborne (Larry) of Zuni, VA, Brenda Croker (Ronnie) Jacksonville, NC, brother William W. Johnson, Jr. (Tarshe) of Smithfield, VA, sister Iris McAllister (James) of Suffolk, VA, sister Daisy Foreman (Carl) of Zuni, VA, brother Clayton Johnson (Sherry) of Hampton, VA and brother Mark Johnson of Jacksonville, NC. In addition, Mary has three step children, Rebecca Chmelik (Anthony) of Fredericksburg, MD, Amy Flora (Larry) of Norfolk, VA and Douglas Chappell, Fredericksburg, VA. She also leaves to mourn 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, 21 nieces and nephews and a host of dear cousins and friends. At the time of her death, Mary was serving as Interim Pastor at Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Zuni, VA. She had retired from Sentara Obici in 2015 after 33 years of dedicated service to Nursing education and nursing Administration. Just before her illness, Mary started a small business called Itly's in Windsor, VA. this had been a dream of hers to own a business. This entrepreneurial spirit was passed to her by the namesake of her business, John"Itly" Faulk, her maternal grandfather. Mary was a graduate of Windsor High School and furthered her education in Ministry at Virginia Theological Seminary and College. She was also an avid writer with several published novels and other writings. (GoogleMaryJayCee). She loved traveling with her husband Charles and often spoke of their weekend escapades to the Outer Banks, the mountains and trips to visit family. Amongst family, Mary was known for her infectious laugh. (She made others laugh by her laughter, even though at times they would not know why she was laughing.) She was also quite the prankster; known to play practical jokes on her siblings. An example of her antics involved one of her sisters love for apple juice. Knowing this, Mary awakened this sister late one night and handed her a glass of what the now awakened sister perceived to be apple juice. After taking a large swallow of this golden liquid, the sister's eyes became as large as saucers and a horrific look was on her face. It was at this point that Mary revealed to her still groggy sister, she had given her a cup of apple cider vinegar. We are all struggling with how and why Mary had a glass of vinegar just before goingto bed. This was quite typical of Mary. Mary and Charles hosted a number of family events annually to include 4th of July barbecues as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and gatherings. We all loved her yeast rolls and of course those "chicken and dumplings"! This was a staple at her restaurant in Windsor and one of her best sellers for her business. Due to the decline in her health, she was forced to close her business in 2016. Her faith in God remained strong throughout the challenges with her health. She confessed daily her faith in God and her strong belief regarding her ultimate healing. She did not lose her battle. She has gained her complete freedom! On Wednesday at 12: 11 a.m. God informed her of her work here being finished. She had finished her course and fought the good fight of faith. She is now eternal in the heavens with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Almighty God! Although we mourn, we rejoice in the fact she is at rest with Jesus.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Chapel Grove United Church of Christ 7366 West Blackwater Road Windsor, VA. Viewing will take place Monday July 1, 2019 from 4-7 PM at Shivers Chapel with a Wake Service from 6-7 PM. Professional Services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.