Jeffrey Donnell Chapman, 66, of Paris passed away December 26, 2020, in Paris Regional Medical Center. Maxey Funeral Home will conduct Graveside services Saturday, January, 2, 2021, at 11:00 am at Love Civic Center Pavilion. Pastor Adamson will officiate services.
Jeffrey Donell Chapman was born on July 29", 1954 to Lillian Odell Chapman in Cape Charles, Virginia. Jeff accepted Christ at an early age. He united later with New Light Baptist Church in Enid, OK (Rev. Billy Mucker/Rev. Larry Featherstone); Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Valliant, OK (Rev. Burnis Burrell Jr.); Morning Chapel Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, TX (Rev. Harold B. Nash); and Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Paris, TX (Rev. Charles Wallace). Jeff's love for Christ and his fellowman were instilled in him early in life by his grandmother, Mrs. Laura Chapman. His love, fairness, and respect for people was demonstrated throughout his life. Jeff's uncle, William, gave him his first basketball. His love for the game was cultivated when he moved to Brooklyn, New York with his mother in junior high school. Jeff often shared how he had to ride the subway to rec centers and parks playing pick-up basketball games trying to improve his skills. After graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, NY, he was awarded a scholarship to Sheridan Jr. College to further his education and play basketball. He was then recruited by Coach Bob Wilson to play at Phillips University in Enid, OK. Jeff was an outstanding basketball player in high school and college where he earned numerous honors and awards.
Jeff met his wife, Karen Cannon, at Phillips University. Upon graduation, they were united in marriage on July 30, 1977. To this union, two beautiful daughters were born: Kara Lynette and Jamisa Lillian. Jeff was a loving, protective, and supportive husband and father to his family.
Jeff began his teaching/coaching career in Enid, OK. He assisted and recruited for his college coach and mentor , Bob Wilson, at Phillips University. Jeff coached youth teams at the YMCA in Enid as well as playing on AAU and league basketball teams. He led the Taft Elementary School to many Little Olympics track titles. Jeff was employed at Enid
Public Schools for 22 years, and Idabel Public Schools for 12 years. One of his favorite memories is leading the Idabel Lady Warriors to the OSSAA Play-Offs where they were Runner-Up Champions. After retirement from Oklahoma Public Schools, Jeff continued his teaching/coaching career in Sulphur Springs, TX for 8 years and Paris Public Schools for 3 years serving as Athletic Coordinator for Girls Sports. Jeff took pride in developing successful basketball programs, but he was more proud of the special relationships and bonds that he developed with his students, players, co-workers, officials, sport reporters, and fellow coaches. Jeff loved to talk basketball and share his love for the game with anyone who wanted to listen and learn. During his lifetime, he worked and conducted basketball camps, trying to give back to the game that he loved so much.
Jeff was preceded in death by his Mother: Lillian Odell Chapman and his grandparents: Mr. William Augustus and Laura Chapman. He leaves to cherish his memory his Wife: Karen, Daughters: Kara and Jamisa, Aunts: Mrs. Mabel Mitchell and Mrs. Vivian Scott, Uncle: Mr. William Chapman, Mother-in-law: Mrs. Jimmie Thomas, Brothers-in-laws: Richard Thomas and Tony(Aimee) Thomas, Sisters-in-laws: Pamela(Hershel) Adamson, Debra Thomas, and Alicia Thomas, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and the many basketball players he coached who will always be a part of his legacy.
"I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8
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