Mary Lena Chapman was born August 2, 1930, in Raleigh, North Carolina to Annie Lucille (nee VanNorton) Chapman and Washington Bryant Chapmen. She was the oldest and only girl, with 3 younger brothers; Samuel, Albert, and Louis.

Her family moved to Baltimore when she was very young, and they joined the Union Baptist Church of Baltimore. Her mother worked as a housekeeper and her father was a custodian by day and a waiter in the evenings. Like her parents, Mary always had a strong work ethic, sometimes holding 3 jobs at one time.

Mary’s good grades at Dunbar High School caught the attention of a local Maryland politician. He offered Mary and 3 other African American students a full scholarship to Hampton College. Mary was very proud to be the first in her family to graduate from college.

Mary began her career in education as a history teacher. She later became a guidance counselor at Northern High School. It was at Northern High School that Mary met Yvonne as a student, and they became lifelong friends. Mary eventually became an adopted member of the Sharpe/Ilgenfritz/Ruble/Gair Family.

“Aunt Mary” was always interested in our children’s activities and ambitions. She instilled the value of education in all our children. Mary enjoyed traveling in her younger years. As she got older, she enjoyed playing the lottery, bingo, watching news, reading People Magazine and the entertaining National Enquirer and Star magazine, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken, and drinking Coke.

Mary made friends wherever she went and she will be forever missed.

Mary was laid to rest at Arbutus Memorial Park next to her mom and dad.