Countess John (Shealey) Chapman

The Life and Legacy of Mrs. Countess John Shealey Chapman

As a prelude to Mrs. Chapman's biographical narrative, we would offer the following opening statement:  

"We sincerely apologize for the attempt to encapsulate her boundless life within a mere page of text.   For Countess Chapman was far BIGGER than any printed page.  No manner of written words could ever do justice to the life and legacy of Mrs. Countess John Shealey Chapman.  Yet we feebly attempt to use that which is available to us — the written word — to expound on the "Essence"  and "Life-Force" that we all knew as "Countess Chapman."  

There are among us many in our 70s — even our 80s — and perhaps even older, whose lives were touched and even elevated by her presence — her example — her ilk.

Countess Chapman is a lifelong resident of Randolph County, Roanoke, Alabama.  She was born on March 25, 1918 to the late John T. and Mayme B. (Culpepper) Shealey having surrendered to the perfect will of God, on Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, after reaching the majestic age of 107 years, 1 month, and 6 days of age.  Countess along with her late siblings, Juanita, Agil, and Tom grew up on South Street with their parents.

She graduated from the Historic Randolph County Training School in 1938, and our beloved HBCU Alabama A & M University, Normal, AL.  Countess and her sister Juanita attended the Apex Beauty School Of Cosmetology in Atlanta, GA and operated a beauty shop next to their family home house on South Street.

She married the love of her life, the late George Ervin Chapman — also a beloved educator and School Administrator in nearby Chambers County — and to that union, their three children were born:  Linda, Ronald, and Elaine.  She is the proud grandmother of Jessica Felton Tucker (Waudell) and Jasmin Felton.

Countess taught Physical Education and Social Studies at Randolph County Training School for twenty-four years.  After desegregation of the schools in Randolph County, she taught Title I Reading at Wadley Elementary School in Wadley, Alabama.

She has been active in the community through volunteerism as a "Pink Lady" at Randolph County Hospital and socially active through membership in the Southside Progressive Club whose focus was to help members of the community through kind deeds.  She also provided a place at her home for community youth to play tennis and basketball, two of her favorite sports, as well as track which was very important to her.

Countess remained active with her beloved Bethel United Methodist Church programs and served as an officer in various church organizations such as United Methodist Women, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and a member of the Steward Board for many years.  She enjoyed attending church services as often as she could.

She has enjoyed and excelled at many hobbies, such as lawn care, gardening, brick masonry, macrame', decorative cake baking which includes her specialty red velvet cake, which is a family favorite.  She also enjoyed traveling with her late cousin, Texanna Royston.

Countess declared that her love for athletics in her youth, walking daily (2 to 4 miles) and now (1/4 to 1/2 mile), eating healthy, bible study, attending church, being blessed with a loving family (children, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins), neighbors, who are like family, good friends and God's Amazing Grace and mercy have been key to helping her reach the milestone birthday of 107 years old.

As the oldest surviving teacher and one of the most beloved educators of our time, she has been continuously lauded and heralded, not just for her physical longevity, but for the continuing dedication and love she has demonstrated for children of all ages and all stages.  We cannot hail her enough for her contributions to the Education of black children  — ALL CHILDREN but in particular for her role as one of the long-standing educators at our Historic Black High School, The Randolph County, R.C.T.S. Training School and it's legacy which is maintained through the Randolph County Training School Scholarship Foundation.   

Her beloved family includes two lovely daughters:  Linda Chapman Felton of Auburn, Alabama, Countess Elaine Chapman of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and her only son, Ronald Chapman (Mary) of  Aurora, Colorado; and lastly but certainly not least, two adorable granddaughters:  Jessica Hope Felton Tucker (Waudell), and Jasmin Felton, both of Auburn, Alabama.  Her circle of influence, however, is far bigger, NOT ONLY including her many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, friends; but the entire legacy and the remaining survivors of the Randolph County Training School Legacy and Reunion, and those youngsters — perhaps even yet to come — who are the descendants of those who walked the hallowed halls of this great and mighty institution.    

Her Enduring Legacy

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in her honor to the Bethel United Methodist Church, which continues the mission so dear to Mrs. Chapman’s heart — making disciples of all who enter through its doors.

Her children, grandchildren and extended family are especially grateful to Minister Danny Wright, Gloria Wright and family; Toni Wright and family; Kathy and Naomi Pate; Debra and Mayfield Royston; Jerry A. Dean, the Women of Bethel United Methodist Church, and her many cherished friends and neighbors who stood faithfully by her side throughout the years.  We are especially grateful to her AWESOME "Caregiver Team":  Mrs. Patricia Allen, Mrs. Kenya Foster, Mrs. Sandra Wilkes Henderson, Ms. Agatha Baggin,  Ms. Sherrie Glenn, Ms. Mable Hardnett, Mrs. Georgia Ann Phillips.   Your Indomitable support has been a source of great comfort and strength.  May God bless each of you for the love you have shown., the Bethel church family, and all who offered prayers, visits, and expressions of love throughout her final years.

Though our hearts grieve, we rejoice in knowing that Countess Chapman has taken her rest — having fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. Her spirit will forever dwell in the hearts of those she nurtured, inspired, and uplifted across more than a century of living, loving, and serving.

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