Musical Prelude
Luther Chambers
On December 25,1943, in the city of Hampton, VA; the union of Joseph J. and Cora M. Chapman was blessed with the birth of their second son and third child, Lawrence Emmanuel Chapman, Sr. He was raised in a loving Christian home.
Lawrence attended George P. Phenix High in the City of Hampton School system graduating in 1963. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 during the Vietnam War. His career in the military offered him the ability to travel and see the world, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defence Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Badge (M14 Rifles). Upon returning home to Hampton, he went to work for Newport News Shipbuilding as a Pipefittter (X42) until retiring in 2000.
Lawrence married Mabel Ann McNear in 1967 and to this beautiful union two children were born, a son, Lawrence Jr. and a daugther, Leslie Renee, and a special daughter, Tekisha Lee.
Lawrence had many passions, one being a founding member of The Our World Social and Civic Club in Hampton. Among his other passions, the Indianapolis Colts and the L.A. Dodgers. He was also an avid gardener you could always count for fresh vegetables. If you knew Lawrence, you knew you had a friend for life. He loved his family and doted on his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
God called His faithful servant Lawrence home
on November 25, 2022. His memories in life will be honored by his devoted wife of 55 years Mabel A. Chapman of Hampton; a son, Lawrence E. Chapman Jr. of Hampton; a special daughter, Tekisha Anderson (Soloman) of Newport News. Four granddaughters, Monique Pridgen, Ronique Pridgen both of Hampton, Destiny Chapman of Suffolk, Yunekia Edwards of Savannah, GA; Two grandsons, Jaysen Anderson and Josiah Anderson both of Hampton, VA; Three great-grandchildren, Zy’nique Lyric Pridgen, Ka’liyah Renee AnthonyPridgen both of Hampton, Aston Dansby of Savannah, GA. A brother, Joseph J. Chapman (Clarice); a Brother-n-law Daniel Louis McNear of Danville, VA; Two sister-n-laws, Virginia Ruth Ross of Danville and Priscilla Claiborne (Wayne).
He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Cora Chapman; daughter, Leslie Renee Pridgen; great-grandson, King Meredith; two sisters, Elsie Thomas and Lillian Lewis, two brother-n-Laws, John H. McNear and Larry McNear.
He loved life, his family, friends and serving the church until his passing.
Lawrence’s Misson Was Simple... Listen to learn the Word, Learn to love the Word, Love to Live the Word.
