DeWayne Edward Chapman

DeWayne Edward Chapman, the oldest of two children, was born October 13, 1979, in Sardis, MS to the late James Edward and Lanell Madkins Chapman.

DeWayne was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Eureka A.M.E. Zion Church in Courtland, MS. Growing up, DeWayne was very active in the church. He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Choir President and Director, and the Director of Vacation Bible School. He was always on a mission to spread God’s word in whatever way he could.

He received his education from the South Panola school district and was a graduate of the class of 1998. After graduating high school, he furthered his education by attending school at Delta State University until the unexpected passing of his parents. He later went back to school attending Ashford University and Clinton College where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

DeWayne accepted his call to the ministry on June 16, 1997. He was ordained as a deacon in 2005 under the leadership of Bishop Louis Hunter. He received the Ordination of Elder in 2007. His first pastoral appointment was to plant the Faith Ministry A.M.E. Zion Church in Batesville, MS. Faith Ministry merged with Cotton Plant A.M.E. Zion Church and he served there for 5 years before moving to Pine Bluff, AR to pastor the Cherry Street Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.

In August of 2017, DeWayne married his best friend, Angela D. Buckner. He was such a loving and doting husband. After pastoring Cherry Street for two years and with his soulmate by his side, he received an appointment from Bishop Michael Frencher, Sr., to pastor the Mount Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Coffeeville, MS. He absolutely loved his church and members. He also loved spending time with family and friends.

In addition to God’s word, DeWayne was an avid believer in education and giving back to his community. He volunteered with various non-profit organizations in Batesville and Panola County to equip the youth with essentials needed to succeed.

On, Monday, August 16, 2021, exactly 15 years after his mom passed, DeWayne traded his earthly life for eternal life with the Lord. He passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Angela Chapman of Batesville, MS; sister, DeKasha Chapman of Pope, MS; godmother, Josie Rudd of Pope, MS; godbrother, Jamone Edwards (Angela) of Batesville, MS; godsister, Janice Lewis of Evansville, IN; mother-in-law, Yvonne Herron (J.D.) of Cleveland, MS; sisters-in-law, LaTonya Thompson (Craig) of Cleveland, MS and Janet James of Whitehall, AR; brother-in-law, Obbie James (Sterlyndrice) of Cleveland, MS; nieces, Ma’Kayla “MK” Spearman of Pope, MS, Londyn, Englyn, and O’lecia James all of Cleveland, MS, and Jayleigh Nelson of Whitehall, AR; nephews, Jason Spencer, Jr. of Cleveland, MS, Jaylan James and Jayden Nelson both of Whitehall, AR; Mount Zion A.M.E. Zion Church family, and host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

DeWayne was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents.