Ben Avery Chapman, 87, of Hattiesburg, passed away on February 7, 2018, at his home. He was born on October 26, 1930, in Newton County to Mitchell R. and Mamie N. Chapman.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Annie M. Wright and Pearl A. Kennedy; three brothers, Booker T, George, and Washington Chapman. He is survived by his wife, Betty Hilton Chapman; 10 children: Louis E. Hilton (Barbara) of Hattiesburg, Lillie R. Chapman Applewhite (Arthur) of Hattiesburg, Willie A. Chapman (Ann) of Hattiesburg, Diane Chapman Clayton (Eddie Ray) of Portland, TX, Ruby L. Chapman Easterling (Melvin) of Jacksonville, FL, Sandra F. Chapman of Mobile, AL, Carolyn K. Chapman Molette (Maurice) of Hattiesburg, David Mitchell Chapman (Cenita) of Allenhurst, GA, Evelyn Chapman of Hattiesburg and Teresa Norman (Roosevelt) of Pelham, AL; 35 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; nine siblings: Daisy M. Johnson, Newton Co, MS, Cora Chapman Brown, Hattiesburg, MS, Etoria Bester, Cleveland, OH, Addie Bogan Chapman, Newton Co, MS, Alma McMillian, Detroit, MI, Gladys Davis, Chicago, IL, Haletha Snow, Newton Co, MS, Mildred Kennedy, Rose Hill, MS and Clarence Chapman, Hattiesburg, MS; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Forrest Funeral Home 5-7pm. An additional visitation will be Monday, February 12, 2018, at True Light Missionary Baptist Church 11-1 with the service to follow at 1pm. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery.
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