Wilma (Drywater) Chapman
July 29, 1942 - August 15, 2012
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Wilma (Drywater) Chapman
July 29, 1942 - August 15, 2012
Obituary
Wilma Chapman passed away August 15, 2012, shortly after her 70th birthday. Wilma was born July 29, 1942, in Tahlequah, OK, to Spencer and Bernice Drywater. She was the second of eight children and spent her childhood in Tahlequah. In 1960, Wilma graduated from Tahlequah High School and went on to attend Hillcrest School of Nursing that fall. Wilma left Hillcrest and traveled to Fort Richardson, Alaska, to marry Richard Chapman of Skiatook, OK, on May 3, 1963. They experienced the Great Alaskan Earthquake on Good Friday, 1964. While in Alaska, Wilma worked as an assistant to an oral surgeon. Richard and Wilma moved back to Oklahoma in September 1964 and eventually made their home in Tulsa. There, Wilma worked as a dental assistant until they began their family. Wilma was a loving and devoted mother to son, Craig, born in January 1968, and daughter, Allison, born in January 1971. Wilma joined First Baptist Church Tulsa in 1972 and became an active member. She worked with the Children’s Department, the Youth Department, and the Hispanic Ministry. Wilma enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a helper and a protector. She enjoyed fishing with Richard and on quite a few occasions, would out fish him. Wilma is survived by her son, Craig Chapman, and wife, Courtney; daughter, Allison Cleary, and husband, Tom; grandchildren, Chelsea Harwood, and Emma and Benjamin Cleary. Wilma was preceded in death by her father, Spencer Drywater; brothers, Ben Drywater and Richard Drywater; and husband, Richard Chapman. Condolences may be sent through the guestbook on this page.
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: August 20, 2012 (10:30 AM)
- Venue: First Baptist Church
- Location: 403 S. Cincinnati Ave. Tulsa, OK 74103 - (Get Directions)
10 responses to Wilma (Drywater) Chapman
Chris & Kelly Combs says:
August 18, 2012
We are truly sorry for your loss! We are thinking about you, and praying for your family!
Jennifer And Chapman Phillips says:
August 18, 2012
Whenever we made reference to this part of the Chapman family, it was always as a duo. It was always Richard AND Wilma or Wilma AND Richard. Rarely did we speak of them separately. It was difficult to refer to Wilma alone after Richard passed away. They are now back together again & enjoying the glories of Heaven. Visiting with Wilma will be truly missed, especially since "visiting" was one of her best skills. She was a loving, kind, Christian woman and we truly mourn her passing. Love and prayers to you Craig, Allison and family.
Doris says:
August 22, 2012
My deepest sorrow to the family for the loss of your dearly beloved one, may your hearts find comfort in knowing that Jehovah God and his son, Jesus Christ loves us -John 3:16; Psalms 83:18. Jesus' death actually opens to us the opportunity for eternal life on a paradise earth. When Jesus walked the earth he performed many miracles which included resurrecting loved ones back to life here on earth. One day soon, we will leap for joy when Jesus resurrects our dear loved ones – John 11:43, 44; John 5:28, 29; Psalms 37:11, 29.
Raymon Kirk says:
August 23, 2012
A note to Wilma's son and daughter: As a highschool classmate of Wilma's, you should know she was so very admired. So quiet back then and so impressive later. We got to see her at high school reunions several years ago. I will always remember her not only who she was in school but what she became. Raymon Kirk
Tim Brown says:
April 27, 2023
Hi Craig and Allison,
I know it’s long after the fact, and I’ve told Craig this before, but Wilma was such a sweet presence in our lives as kids. I spent a lot of time at your house in the seventies and eighties, and Wilma was like a second mom to me- her voice was always calm and reassuring. She was kind and thoughtful and always made us feel at home. Together with Richard, they were my favorite parents growing up. It was always fun to be at your house. Wilma was the best.