Hilda Chapman

Hilda Harbin Chapman, 72, of Waxahachie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 13, 2014 after a long and brave fight with cancer. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Steven Franklin Chapman. Hilda was born in Waxahachie on August 10, 1941 and was the only child of Lena and James Harbin. After graduating from Waxahachie High School, she attended and graduated from Southern Methodist University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Hilda married her childhood friend and college sweetheart, Steve, in 1964. She then began her career teaching school, but soon devoted her life to raising her family. Hilda was passionate about Waxahachie, her church and her community and was involved in a number of charitable and community organizations. Hilda was a member and elder of Central Presbyterian Church of Waxahachie. She was instrumental in the formation and success of Bethlehem Revisited, working closely with the CPC, the City of Waxahachie and the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce. Under her guidance and direction as chairman for 17 years, Bethlehem Revisited brought in well over 20,000 visitors annually. As a volunteer, Hilda's drive, guidance and direction were invaluable to the organizations she supported. She served as president of the Downtown Merchants Association, chairman of the Waxahachie Partnership Inc., Waxahachie Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Candlelight Home Tour. She served on the board of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, was a Girl Scout and CPC Youth Group leader, a member of the Crape Myrtle Council, a past Crape Myrtle Queen, voted First Lady of Waxahachie, a member of Gardner's Limited, Friday Book Club, the Heirloom Club, and Waxahachie Junior Service League. In 2006, the Chamber of Commerce selected Hilda as Waxahachie's Outstanding Citizen. Hilda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Steve; son James Steven Chapman and wife, Melissa; daughter Jill Diann Chapman, and grandchildren Sumner Austin and Sloane Avery Smith, all of Waxahachie. There will be a memorial service held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 17 at Central Presbyterian Church, where Hilda and Steve were married. A reception for family and friends will follow at the home of Melissa and Jim Chapman. Honorary pallbearers will be: Richard Chapman, Rick Chapman, Mackey Morgan, Jim Pitts, Billy Price, Jack Price, Mark Price, and Mike Ramsey. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethlehem Revisited at Central Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie.

Previous Events