Sarah Chapman Hatton

Life Story of Sarah Wallace Chapman Hatton

Sarah Wallace Chapman Hatton affectionately known as “Big Mama” transitioned peacefully on April 28, 2025 surrounded by her loving family and held by the same grace that she gave so freely in life. Born on August 4,1952 in Suffolk, Virginia to the late Booker T. Chapman Sr. and Clara C. Wooden Chapman, she attended John F. Kennedy (Class of 1970) but later graduated from I. C. Norcom High School in 1988 with Honors.

After graduating, Sarah attended Kee Business College receiving a Medical Assistant Degree. She also attended Tidewater Community College where she received her Real Estate Degree. Sarah worked for General Electric, Lipton Tea, and as a medical assistant for Dr. Margie Corney. Sarah also held multiple government positions working at the Naval Air Station, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Sarah was a dedicated Department of Defense employee, retiring in 2013 after twenty-five years of service. After retiring, Sarah and Wayne formed the company WaySarInvestment Inc.

Sarah’s greatest legacy, however, was not in her career – it was in the way she loved. In fact, out of all of her jobs her favorite was working in the church. Sarah was a living example of unwavering faith and unconditional love. With great pride and joy she served her community as the Youth Director and Sunday School teacher for many years at her home church Little Bethel Baptist.

In 2000 Sarah became a founding member and faithful servant of Solomon’s Temple Church, in Smithfield, Virginia. Sarah was a beacon of light to her Solomon’s Temple family where she served the Lord faithfully and with humility. Her ministry wasn’t just in titles; it was in how she treated people, in how she held space for others, in how she made each and every person she came in contact with feel special and loved.  After faithfully serving, Sarah was called to the Ministry under the leadership of Dr. K. D. Shivers where she preached her trial sermon in April 2007 and was ordained as an Elder in August 2009.

Sarah was predeceased by her 5 brothers Merlin Chapman, Leslie Chapman Sr., Booker T. Chapman Jr., James (Tony) Chapman, and Walter Chapman Sr.

Sarah was a devoted wife for fifty years, to Wayne M. Hatton Sr., her best friend, who she affectionately called her “Peaches”. She poured endlessly into her four sons London Hatton (Tamikia), Wayne Hatton Jr., (Allison), Michael Hatton (Natasha) and Travis Hatton Sr. (Chamiel), raising them with the kind of strength and softness that only a mother of her magnitude could give. Sarah was a proud grandmother of 24 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Each child a seed she watered with joy, patience and stories passed down through the generations. Her grandchildren were her world and she made sure they knew it.

Sarah also leaves to cherish her sister Clara Regina Green and brother Charlie Andrew Chapman. In laws, Grace (Charlie) Eva Jean (Randy), Ida (Doug), Welton (Jackie), Sherman Jr., (Doana), Willie (Doretha), Gail, James and Keith. Sarah was a spiritual mother and a beacon of light to many-including her godchildren Chelsea Cousins and Brandon a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Sarah leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fearless love- a virtuous, God-fearing woman who exuded the gentle authority of a matriarch. Sarah was truly the glue to her family. A woman who always had a smile, a woman who always knew exactly what to say and when to say it. You will never meet a more loving, kind and caring person as Sarah. She will be deeply missed, fiercely remembered and never ever replaced.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, viewing will take place from 2-5pm with reflections from 4-5pm at Solomon's Temple Church, 15088 Mt. Holly Creek Lane, Smithfield, VA 23430. At 2 pm on Sunday, May 4, 2025, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at Main Street Baptist Church, 517 Main Street, Smithfield, VA. Interment will be at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Please keep the Chapman-Hatton family in your prayers.