Betty Vellines Chapman

Betty Chapman, daughter of deceased parents Clarence and Julia Vellines, wife of deceased Joseph O. Chapman, Sr., went to be with the Lord on July 10th.

Sons Joseph, Jr. and wife Alison, and William and wife Cindee were by her side. Betty is survived by her sister Trish (Patricia) Frech and husband Pete of Smithfield and sister Sarah Johnson (Warren, deceased) of Suffolk. Other family members include granddaughter Courtney and fiancé Bennett of Arlington, VA; grandson Matthew and wife Lauren of Surry; granddaughter Madi of Smithfield; granddaughter Maria and husband Dougie of Newport News; two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Family gatherings with cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family from Georgia, Maine and Virginia were always welcomed at the Chapman home when holidays were celebrated or family gatherings brought the family together.

Betty’s life was full of music. During her early years, she was organist for Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church, Ivor Baptist, Trinity United Methodist and later in life Battery Park Baptist. Her musical career began when she gave organ concerts at age 12 in the peninsula area. After high school, she attended Madison College in Harrisonburg, VA, giving concerts at the college as well as other venues in western and northern Virginia. She became the pianist for dramas at Smithfield Little Theatre and later played for shows at theatres in Newport News and Poquoson.

Betty’s talent went beyond the piano and organ. She learned to play the violin and other instruments during her college years and later joined the Sweet Adelines as a vocalist. The group toured in Virginia and later performed in Hawaii on a two-week group concert tour. Her love of family and music was her pride and joy.

Friends and family are welcome at the visitation on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield. Funeral services will be at Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00 am, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com