Marie Byington Chapman

Macon- Marie Byington Chapman died Saturday March 27, 2010 after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Monday March 29, 2010 at 3:30 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 753 College Street. The Reverend Dr. Reed H. Freeman will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Gate. Mrs. Chapman was born in Gordon, Georgia to the late Ora Sewell Byington and John Edward Byington. She was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Marie and her husband, William Wesley Chapman, Sr., and a brother, David Amos Byington. She is survived by a son, William Wesley Chapman Jr., and his wife Amelda and a grandson, William Wesley Chapman III, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Chapman attended Macon schools and graduated from Mercer University with a BA Degree in 1970 and a MEd Degree in 1983. She taught Social Studies in Bibb County public schools for 20 years, retiring in 1991. She then worked for the School of Education at Mercer University serving as a Supervisor for Student Teachers until 1995. Mrs. Chapman was active in civic and community affairs. She spent many years trying to get the city and historic organizations to save Tattnall Square Park from becoming a tennis center and to restore it as a park for citizens to enjoy. She was on committees working to save the Terminal Station and the City Auditorium when the city considered tearing them down. She took her students on field trips to see the Greek and Roman architecture in the city and to have lunch in historic Washington Park. She lived in the downtown historic district in an antebellum house. She was a member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the Historic Macon Foundation, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Episcopal Church Women's Organization and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The family will meet friends from 6-8 pm on Sunday March 28, 2010 at Hart's Mortuary, Cherry Street. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Children's Hospital, Medcen Foundation, 858 High Street, Macon, Georgia 31201, or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 753 College Street, Macon, GA 31201. Friends may sign the online register at www.hartsmort.com Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.