Mabel Chapman's Obituary
Mrs. Mable Chapman was a God-fearing mother, and a woman of faith and prayers. Mable Jackson was born on February 18, 1918, to the late Mr. Watkin Jackson, Sr. and the late Charity Pinkston-Jackson, at their home in Wenonah Mines, Alabama. Mable graduated from high school in Wenonah Mines, Alabama, where she loved to play basketball. After graduation, at the tender age of 18, Miss Mable Jackson was married to Mr. William Chapman on November 7, 1935, in Birmingham, Alabama. To this union, one child was born, Rochelle Chapman. Mable remained in Alabama for some time, prior to relocating to Detroit, Michigan with her daughter.
After she arrived in Detroit, Michigan, she was blessed with a son, Carnell Willis Shepherd. Mable was gainfully employed at Chevrolet and Axle Automotive. Mable was a very confident, feisty and a well-dressed woman of God. She was also a confidant. Mable will always be remembered as a very courageous, patient, understanding and giving woman. Mable enjoyed and appreciated life to the fullest, and she maintained a wonderful sense of humor. Mable loved crocheting scarves and doilies; she would starch for them to stand up, while maintaining its ruffle. She also enjoyed preserving live flowers and placing them in picture frames.
Mable was a devout Christian and attended The Church of Christ at Elmwood Park. Mable enjoyed traveling and shopping, and she was an active member in her community. She loved to visit the local nursing homes to pray and sing with the residents. She was a Saint of God and an example of an exemplary woman. She often navigated throughout the city by utilizing the local transportation and while she never drove a car, she did not let that stop her from getting around. She enjoyed walking, as it was very important for her to get where she needed to go; and being an active member in her community was of utmost importance.
Mrs. Mable Chapman leaves to cherish her memory, a loving and devoted daughter; Rochelle Chapman Murray, and her devoted and loving son; Carnell Willis Shepherd, one sister; precious Rosa Mae Cox of Detroit, Michigan, Carnell’s brother; Leroy and (Mildred) Shepherd, grandchildren; Juannelious Benjamin (Theola) Murray Sr. of Franklin, Michigan, Sean Darcelious Murray of Detroit, Michigan, Kimberly Patrice Walker of Bessemer, Alabama, Mignon Rochelle Murray of Jackson, Michigan, Kelechi Monique (Darrell) Little of Burton, Michigan, Chioma Nonya Racquel Murray of West Bloomfield, Michigan, great grandchildren; Mahtina (Ryan) Rubritius, Fredrico Porter Jr., Emilio Porter, Semaj (Daniel) Mahoney, Tara Porter, DaJuan Murray, Juan Jr. (Jenisha) Murray, Thea McCuien, Theola Murray, Rachelle Walker, Robert (Jessica) Walker, Ashlei Mercer, Crystan Mercer, TiAnna Mercer, Sean Murray Jr., Devin Murray, Eric, Eiron, Layla, Brayden, Bryce, Annika, Dai’Anna Little, Kamora Little, Dalise’ Little, Kalil Brown, and Kaius Glenn, Great-great grandchildren; Ayden Rubritius, Ezekiel Porter, Kamryn Porter, Kilyn Porter, Raelyn Porter, Calvena Mahoney, Sophia Mahoney, Olivia Mahoney, Cecilia Mahoney, Ila Mahoney, Nyla Underwood, Bailey Murray, Jordyn Murray, Bryce Murray, Lola Wilson, Myliah Gainer, NaTaya Buckner, Aanaja Williams, Arion Walker, Annissa Walker, Za’Riah Wilson, Sean Murray III, Jaden Murray, Taeshaun and Janae. One great-great-great grandchild, Khyson Perdue, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family members, whom she loved dearly.
Preceding her in death are her parents; Mr. Watkins Jackson and Mrs. Charity Jackson, her two sisters; Johnnie Mae Purifoy and Lucille Jackson, and her brother; Watkin Jackson Jr. She was also preceded in death by her husband; Mr. William Chapman, her favorite and only son in-law; Benjamin Murray, granddaughter; Michelle Thais (Fredrico Sr.) Porter, and grandson; Tiras Jav’an Murray
What’s your fondest memory of Mabel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mabel?
Share a story where Mabel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mabel you’ll never forget.
How did Mabel make you smile?

