Evangelist Dr. Norma Chapman

Evangelist Dr. Norma Denise Chapman was born on March 27, 1954, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to the late James and Jerelee Chapman. From her humble beginnings, God was preparing a woman whose life would become a testimony of faith, compassion, courage, and dedicated Christian service. She was the proud mother of two daughters, Tawanisha and Lionetta, and the loving grandmother of seven grandchildren. Her family was one of her greatest blessings, and she cherished every opportunity to share her love, wisdom, and encouragement. Evangelist Chapman began her education at Tommy Lafon Elementary School and later attended John Adams Senior High School in San Francisco, California. She continued her studies at Delgado Community College, pursuing Criminal Justice and Legal Secretarial Studies. Her desire for spiritual growth led her to Union Baptist Theological Seminary and College. She was the author of the inspirational book, What Faith Can Do and received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Kenner Theological Bible College in recognition of her contributions to Christian ministry and service. Above every title and accomplishment, Evangelist Chapman was first and foremost a child of God. Baptized at an early age, she developed a deep love for Jesus Christ and a passion for sharing the Gospel. On March 15, 2015, she was licensed to preach and teach the Word of God. She faithfully served as an Associate Minister of Greater Liberty Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Calvin W. Woods, Jr. One of the significant milestones of her spiritual journey occurred on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when she was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, along with four of her sisters in ministry: Rev. Dianne Adams, Rev. Constance Woods, Rev. Dr. DeJuan Carter, and Rev. Glenda Price. The sacred ceremony was conducted under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Calvin W. Woods, Jr., and a council of pastors from the community. Evangelist Chapman believed that Christian ministry extended beyond the church walls. As the Community Outreach Ministry Leader of Greater Liberty Baptist Church, she worked faithfully with the church's Thanksgiving outreach and annual Christmas on Desire Street celebration. She partnered with organizations such as Toys for Tots and the YMCA to provide food, gifts, encouragement, and hope to families in need. She was the founder of To Be Friends in Christ Ministry, through which she served the community and hosted an inspirational radio program. From 1993 until Hurricane Katrina, she and members of the ministry distributed more than 40 Thanksgiving baskets annually to families experiencing hardship. Her compassion reflected her belief that faith must be demonstrated through loving actions.

Evangelist Chapman was a courageous advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity. She served as a Prison Chaplain with the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, providing spiritual guidance and encouragement to incarcerated individuals. She also served five years as an elected Executive Committee Member-at-Large with the NAACP and participated in its Religious Affairs work. Her community leadership included service on the New Orleans Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission as well as previous involvement with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, New Orleans Chapter, and Justice for Girls. She was a dedicated supporter of victims and survivors of domestic violence and served as a Spiritual Care First Responder with the American Red Cross. Her life reflected a genuine concern for those who were hurting, forgotten, or in need of encouragement. Within the Baptist community, she was affiliated with the First District Missionary Baptist Association, where she previously served on the Millie White Circle Devotional Team and participated in the Singsperation Choir. She also previously served as President of the Women's Ministry of the Universal Missionary Baptist Association. Whether preaching, praying, singing, visiting the incarcerated, or helping families, she faithfully worked in God's vineyard. Her favorite Scripture was Psalm 23, which reminded her of God's guidance, protection, and everlasting love. Her favorite song, "We've Come This Far by Faith," beautifully expressed her life's testimony. Through every challenge and triumph, she continued to trust God and believe in His power to sustain, strengthen, and deliver His people. On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the age of 72, Evangelist Dr. Norma Denise Chapman completed her earthly journey. Although her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, service, and commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her two daughters, Lionetta (Byron) and Tawanisha; her beloved grandchildren, Coryelle, Byrielle, Byron III, Mario, Lionel, and Asyah; her surviving siblings, Ray Charles, Robert, Calvin, Wanda, Lynell, Chantee, and Narissa; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family members, fellow ministers, church family, and devoted friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Jerelee Chapman; her grandson, Benjamin; her maternal grandparents, Prenice and Q. T. Johnson; her paternal grandparents, Norwood and Roxie Chapman; and her siblings, Manzy, James, Jr., Larry, Emerson, Damien, and Dolores. Evangelist Dr. Norma Denise Chapman will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, evangelist, author, chaplain, community advocate, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. She did not merely preach about faith— she lived by faith. She did not merely speak about love-she demonstrated love. She did not merely talk about serving others-she gave her life in service. Her earthly labor is finished, but her works and the lives she touched will continue to speak for generations to come.

Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of Greater Liberty Baptist Church, all churches in New Orleans and surrounding areas are invited to attend the Celebration of Life and Legacy on Friday, October 30, 2026 beginning 10:00 a.m. at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 1230 Desire Street, Rev. Dr. Calvin W. Woods, Jr., Pastor, officiating. Church visitation and viewing from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Private burial to follow. Rev. David M. Patin, Sr. and Gwiena Magee Patin, Directors.