Cora Marie Chapeman

Mrs. Cora Marie (McCurry) Churchman Chapman of Tuckerman departed this life on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Little Rock. She was born June 12, 1921, at Grubbs, Arkansas, the daughter of Samuel Loftin and Alma Mae (Byrd) McCurry. Miss Cora Marie McCurry married Mr. George Arthur Churchman Jr. at the age of 19. They were blessed with one daughter, Carol, in 1943. The couple made their home together in Tuckerman until Mr. Churchman's untimely death in 1958. Mrs. Cora never let the difficulties of life define her. She led a full life, determined to enjoy every possible moment. Mrs. Cora enjoyed spending time traveling and antiquing. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She even spent some time in her younger years catering from her home. In 1967, Mrs. Cora turned her passion for antiques into a business opening Cora's Antiques and Gifts in Tuckerman. For over forty years, generations of Jackson County residents and visitors from far and near were provided a place to find just the right gift for those they loved, and experience the feeling of hospitality and Christmas cheer that can only be experienced in the South. She was a member of the Tuckerman United Methodist Church. Her greatest love was her family, especially her granddaughter, Susannah. Mrs. Cora Churchman married Mr. Joseph Virgil "Bugs" Chapman, Jr. and they worked side by side at Cora's Antiques and Gifts until his death in 2003. She was preceded in death by her husbands, George Arthur Churchman Jr. and Joseph Virgil "Bugs" Chapman, Jr., her daughter, Carol McCurry (Churchman) Thomas, her son-in-law, John Robert "Johnny" Thomas, and her brother, Malcolm McCurry. Mrs. Cora is survived by her beloved granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Susannah Thomas Marshall and Wilks Marshall of Little Rock, one half sister, Sharon Mears of Georgetown, Arkansas, and a lifetime of friends who loved her dearly. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Tuesday, December 11, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Newport with the Rev. Joe Wilkerson officiating. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116 or Tuckerman United Methodist Church, 108 Highway 67 South, Tuckerman, Arkansas 72473. To sign the online guest register, light a memorial candle, or leave a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com.