Living Testimony of the life of Margaret Chapman

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even

though they die, 26 and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"

~John11:25-26 (NIV)



Margaret Chapman, nee Sumpter, 83, died on February 6, 2025, at her home. She wasborn on May 15, 1941, in Savannah, Georgia, daughter of the late Isaac Sumpter and IdaMae Sumpter-Brown. Margaret attended the public schools of Savannah graduating fromBeach High School, class of 1959. Margaret, "Margie" as she was fondly called byfamily and friends was the oldest of 14 children. In addition to her parents who precededher in death, she was predeceased by one sister, and eight brothers.

Margaret and her family relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1964, where she becameemployed by the New York Bell Telephone Company. She began her employment withNew York Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator, and after a few years she hadworked her way up the corporate ladder earning supervisory positions. She remained insupervisory roles until her retirement in 1989. Years passed and she and her familyreturned to Savannah in 1990.

Margaret was a woman who loved God, and she loved talking about God. She attendedSt. John Baptist Church, under the tutelage of "The Reverend" George P. Lee, III, PhD.She was also a woman with purpose and vision, she knew what she wanted in life,spiritually and naturally. She trusted God to fulfill His promises to her, and she workedtirelessly, doing her part to accomplish her goals. She had an unwavering love for herchildren, grandchildren, family and friends. She despised injustice and would advocatefor those who were being mistreated. Margaret's no nonsense personality earned respectfrom those around her, especially her children, and siblings. Margaret loved being withpeople, the more the merrier. On weekends you would often find her home aglow withbright lights, music, dancing and the smell of southern cuisine emanating throughout thehouse and outdoors. She loved to cook, and we loved to eat her cooking. When youvisited her home, you were guaranteed to have a great home cooked meal.

Margaret was not one to mince words, she said what she meant, and meant what she said.Sometimes her words fell upon death ears, but she did not give up on those who did notlisten. She allowed them to exercise their right to make choices, but those whoappreciated her wisdom would seek to correct the wrongs in their life. She was not afraidto go the distance for and with those that she loved. She expressed her love and concernin ways that were unique to her style of communication. When her nerves were beingwrecked, she had an uncanny way of checking you. She also had her way of making herwrongs right, she would turn on the charm letting you know that she didn't mean anyharm as she apologized. Margaret was named the "Emoji Queen". Every morning orsome hour during the day, your phone may ping, and ping, and ping, at least five times ormore. It was Margie getting her love messages out for the day. If you received them youknow what we mean. It was those little things about her that made her so lovable. Shewas not a quitter, she was resilient and in the midst of adversity Margaret would findcreative ways to resolve the problem. She was a loving, giving, sharing, correcting, andsacrificing woman. These traits fueled her love, and her love prohibited her fromfostering mediocrity from the ones that she loved. She encouraged others to strive forexcellence, especially her children and loved ones. Like us, she was not perfect. She didhave strong faith in God and it was her faith that kept her in the times of life's adversities.

Margaret's final days on earth were rough, she wanted to leave, but we wanted her tostay. She made her request known, and we finally relinquished our wills, and prayed forGod's will to be done. You see, Margaret believed that God knows everything, and thateverything that He does is for our good. So, she made her request known to her childrenand loved ones, which helped us reach that place of resolve that it was well with her soul.

We mourn, but as we mourn we pray that we will mourn as she would want us to, byputting our trust in God. As we reflect upon the life and conversations that we sharedwith our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, godmother, friend andacquaintance let us grow in our faith, and learn to trust God. We can rest in knowing thatthe matriarch of our family lived her life well. We can decide to grieve, and to grievewell because Margaret Chapman, if she could speak to us today, would most likelycomfort us with these final words, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which theLord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved children Xavier Q. Sumpter(Savannah), Deidre Sumpter and Dionne R. Hazel (Savannah). Twelve grandchildren,and fourteen great-grandchildren. One sister Peggy A. Turpin (NJ), brothers JackieSumpter (Savannah), Tyrone Brown (Stephanie) (SC), Michael Brown (Savannah), andBruce E. Brown (Savannah). Her uncle Jakie Miller (Gloria) (FLA), Three godchildrenBernard Roberson, Dana (Derrick) Sterling, and Keith Medas, and a host of nieces,nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

It is our prayer that Margaret's legacy will continue on through her children,grandchildren, family, and the countless lives that she touched. She will always remain inour hearts.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Bonaventure Funeral Home, 2520 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA 31404.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00am at St. John The Mighty Fortress, 2415 E. DeRenne Ave. Savannah, GA 31406.

Interment ~ Oak Grove Cemetery.

Please sign our guestbook at www.bonaveturefh.com Bonaventure Funeral Home, Owned and Operated by the Campbell Family, 2520 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA 31404.