Margaret Sumpter Chapman

Living Testimony of the life of Margaret Chapman

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even

though they die, 26 and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

~John 11:25-26 (NIV)

Margaret Chapman, nee Sumpter, 83, died on February 6, 2025, at her home. She was born on May 15, 1941, in Savannah, Georgia, daughter of the late Isaac Sumpter and Ida Mae Sumpter-Brown. Margaret attended the public schools of Savannah graduating from Beach High School, class of 1959. Margaret, “Margie” as she was fondly called by family and friends was the oldest of 14 children. In addition to her parents who preceded her in death, she was predeceased by one sister, and eight brothers.

Margaret and her family relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1964, where she became employed by the New York Bell Telephone Company. She began her employment with New York Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator, and after a few years she had worked her way up the corporate ladder earning supervisory positions. She remained in supervisory roles until her retirement in 1989. Years passed and she and her family returned to Savannah in 1990.

Margaret was a woman who loved God, and she loved talking about God. She attended St. John Baptist Church, under the tutelage of “The Reverend” George P. Lee, III, PhD. She was also a woman with purpose and vision, she knew what she wanted in life, spiritually and naturally. She trusted God to fulfill His promises to her, and she worked tirelessly, doing her part to accomplish her goals. She had an unwavering love for her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She despised injustice and would advocate for those who were being mistreated. Margaret’s no nonsense personality earned respect from those around her, especially her children, and siblings. Margaret loved being with people, the more the merrier. On weekends you would often find her home aglow with bright lights, music, dancing and the smell of southern cuisine emanating throughout the house and outdoors. She loved to cook, and we loved to eat her cooking. When you visited her home, you were guaranteed to have a great home cooked meal.

Margaret was not one to mince words, she said what she meant, and meant what she said. Sometimes her words fell upon death ears, but she did not give up on those who did not listen. She allowed them to exercise their right to make choices, but those who appreciated her wisdom would seek to correct the wrongs in their life. She was not afraid to go the distance for and with those that she loved. She expressed her love and concern in ways that were unique to her style of communication. When her nerves were being wrecked, she had an uncanny way of checking you. She also had her way of making her wrongs right, she would turn on the charm letting you know that she didn’t mean any harm as she apologized. Margaret was named the “Emoji Queen”. Every morning or some hour during the day, your phone may ping, and ping, and ping, at least five times or more. It was Margie getting her love messages out for the day. If you received them you know what we mean. It was those little things about her that made her so lovable. She was not a quitter, she was resilient and in the midst of adversity Margaret would find creative ways to resolve the problem. She was a loving, giving, sharing, correcting, and sacrificing woman. These traits fueled her love, and her love prohibited her from fostering mediocrity from the ones that she loved. She encouraged others to strive for excellence, especially her children and loved ones. Like us, she was not perfect. She did have strong faith in God and it was her faith that kept her in the times of life’s adversities.

Margaret’s final days on earth were rough, she wanted to leave, but we wanted her to stay. She made her request known, and we finally relinquished our wills, and prayed for God’s will to be done. You see, Margaret believed that God knows everything, and that everything that He does is for our good. So, she made her request known to her children and loved ones, which helped us reach that place of resolve that it was well with her soul.

We mourn, but as we mourn we pray that we will mourn as she would want us to, by putting our trust in God. As we reflect upon the life and conversations that we shared with our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin, godmother, friend and acquaintance let us grow in our faith, and learn to trust God. We can rest in knowing that the matriarch of our family lived her life well. We can decide to grieve, and to grieve well because Margaret Chapman, if she could speak to us today, would most likely comfort us with these final words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved children Xavier Q. Sumpter (Savannah), Deidre Sumpter and Dionne R. Hazel (Savannah). Twelve grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. One sister Peggy A. Turpin (NJ), brothers Jackie Sumpter (Savannah), Tyrone Brown (Stephanie) (SC), Michael Brown (Savannah), and Bruce E. Brown (Savannah). Her uncle Jakie Miller (Gloria) (FLA), Three godchildren Bernard Roberson, Dana (Derrick) Sterling, and Keith Medas, and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

It is our prayer that Margaret’s legacy will continue on through her children, grandchildren, family, and the countless lives that she touched. She will always remain in our hearts.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Bonaventure Funeral Home, 2520 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA 31404.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00am at St. John The Mighty Fortress, 2415 E. DeRenne Ave. Savannah, GA 31406.

Interment ~ Oak Grove Cemetery.

Please sign our guestbook at www.bonaveturefh.com Bonaventure Funeral Home, Owned and Operated by the Campbell Family, 2520 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA 31404.