Phyllis Eugenia Dunn Chapman

Phyllis entered into eternal rest Monday, August 24, 2015 at her home. She was born August 9, 1941 in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Eugene L. and Carnella Dunn. She graduated from Highland High School, Gastonia, North Carolina. She earned a BA in History from Howard University in Washington, DC and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She was a third generation educator, who was dedicated to this profession for more than 35 years. Phyllis began as a teacher and counselor at E. E. Smith High School, Fayetteville, North Carolina, then to Monroe Avenue High School in Hamlet, North Carolina. Phyllis was recently awarded the Red Apple Appreciation Award by the Monroe Avenue High School, Class of 1964. It was in Hamlet, North Carolina that she met Airman Charles Chapman who would become her loving and devoted husband/partner for the next 48 years. After marrying Charles, the couple settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. She continued her counseling career at West Charlotte High School, Charlotte, North Carolina and North Mecklenburg High School, Huntersville, North Carolina. In 1997, she retired from Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. After retirement, Phyllis continued to impact the lives of students through her never-ending encouragement, motivation and advocacy on their behalf. Phyllis was a faithful and very active member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church from 1969 until her health no longer allowed her to physically attend. Phyllis was involved in many ministries such as the Sheepfold of Ruth; Girl Scouts; Colemon W. Kerry, Jr. Scholarship Fund; Black College Awareness Day; Women’s Missionary Union; Senior Care Team; Senior Advisory Board and the Phillip and Phoebe Ministry. She participated with the SERVE Ministry at the Salvation Army. She also served as a tax volunteer with AARP. In recent years, Phyllis may not have been able to physically attend church and ministry meetings, however she remained engaged and connected with much zest. Phyllis was a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and an active member of the Gastonia Alumnae Chapter since 1962. Phyllis served on numerous committees, among them Communications, Program Planning, Scholarship, Jabberwock, College Day and Newsletter. She received recognition for more than 50 years of membership and service. Phyllis was an active member in her community, The Hyde Park Estates Neighborhood Association. She served as the Board Secretary; a Block Captain; on the Scholarship Committee, Social Committee and the Graduate’s Recognition Committee. Phyllis leaves many loving memories to be cherished by her husband, Charles, two daughters, Charlese Chapman and Christal Chapman Hill (Jelani), and a grandson, Jelani Charles William Hill; special daughter, Denise Reid (Angelo); three godchildren, George Dunlap, Jr.; Quentin Reid and Sydney Reid; two dear friends, Mrs. Helena T. Cunningham and Dr. Fred Gibson, a host of relatives, friends and students around the world. Special thanks to her caregiver, Mrs. Melissa Blye. Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, counselor and friend who touched the lives of many. She will truly be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be forwarded to C.W. Kerry Scholarship Fund, c/o Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216 or the Gaston Delta Foundation, P.O. Box 1482, Gastonia, NC 28053

Phyllis Eugenia Dunn Chapman

August 9, 1941 - August 24, 2015