Obituary of Bonnie Bernice Chapman

Bonnie Bernice Burke was born on June 27, 1933 in Pennington Gap, Virginia. She was one of fourteen children born from the union of the late Harrison and Myrtle (Cooper) Burke. Bonnie married the love of her life, General Chapman on August 10, 1951 in Jonesville, Virginia. From this union came the birth of five beautiful children. Bonnie worked at home, caring for their large family and keeping the house together. She was very much involved in Monroe Full Gospel, where she attended for many years. She had a creative personality. Bonnie was a crafter, finding value in many resources that led to never wanting to throw anything away. She also made many beautiful quilts through the years. Bonnie enjoyed spending time outside, tending to her vegetable garden and her flowers. She was a huge animal lover, adoring her dogs, cats and was a breeder of some birds. Bonnie always encouraged having family over to visit and often hosted many of the holiday gatherings, sometimes featuring her delicious cherry cheesecake. She was always mindful of others, finding great joy in giving back and paying it forward. Bonnie enjoyed her quiet times though, praying and reading her bible. Bonnie Bernice Chapman, age 83 of Monroe passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at home under the care of ProMedica Hospice. In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, she was preceded by a daughter: Donna Fae Chapman at birth; one grandchild: Seth Frederick and siblings: Evelyn, Jake, Curly and Frank. To cherish her memory, Bonnie leaves her children: Linda (James) Michalski of LaSalle, Jimmie Lee (MaryAnn) Chapman of Monroe, Debbie (Shawn) Frederick of Fostoria, Ohio and Danny Joe Chapman of Monroe; eight siblings: Ruby, Olan, Loretta, Grace, Susie, Dewey, Bob and Nellie; and eleven grandchildren: Jonathan Sr., David, Joshua, Dana, Raina, Joy, Erica, Lora, Paul, Adam and Melissa; fourteen great grandchildren: Jonathan Jr., Gage, Riley, Waylan, Jordan, Jamel, Makayla, Josiah, Ronald, Zachary, Cody, Blake, Gabrielle and Navison; and six great-great grandchildren: Kaden, Dylan, Jax, Taytum, Ronald and Remmington. Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 and from 1:00pm until 8:00pm Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe (734)241-7070. She will Lie-In-State at 10:00am until a Celebration of Her life at 11:00am on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Monroe Full Gospel with Pastor Harold Raines and Pastor Gary Pickrell officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for burial. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com