Jimmie Nell Chapman

JIMMIE NELL CHAPMAN

Jimmie Nell Chapman, a woman of extraordinary faith,  character, courage, creativity and unsurpassed love for and devotion to her family, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Hospice of West Alabama. She was in the midst of her 93rd year. With the uncommon strength Nell displayed throughout her life, she had fought long and hard against multiple health issues.
Nell’s determination was evident when, 50 years ago, she found herself alone with two children still at home. She went back to school, studied to become a dental hygienist, was certified and worked for many years in the office of Dr. James Webster in Fayette.
Nell was a remarkable and prolific seamstress. She learned the art of sewing  from her father and made a wool suit for her mother when still a teenager. She created patterns and sewed nylon lingerie for women throughout Fayette and Tuscaloosa Counties for most of her life.
After retiring from her career in dental health, Nell started a cottage industry creating clothing and household items embellished with fabric scraps from quilts and men’s neckties.
Nell was deeply proud of and supportive of her large family. The family asks that no flowers be sent. The family respectfully suggests that anyone wishing to honor Nell’s memory might do so by sending flowers to someone who means as much to them as Nell has meant to her family.  (Additionally, donations may be sent to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa AL 35404.)
Nell was pre-deceased by her parents, Aaron and Bessie Smitherman; a sister, Charlene South; the father of her children, Fred Bailey; and her husband, Emil Chapman, with whom she enjoyed 20 wonderful years.
Survivors include two sons, Steve Bailey (Loretta) and Paul Bailey (Tammy), all of Fayette; two daughters Charlotte Stewart (Frank) of Fayette and Jackie McQueen (Scott) of Northport;  a stepson, Glenn Chapman (Beth) of Tuscaloosa; a stepdaughter, Chris Russell of Sugar Land, Texas; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Nelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. with service there on Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m.  with Bro. Clyde Stevens officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Crossville (170 Liberty Lane, Vernon).
Pallbearers will be Garrett Bailey, Mark Chapman, Terry Colvert, Addison McQueen, Austin McQueen and Michael Smith.