Jennifer Wilson Chapman

Jennifer Wilson Chapman, 55, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed peacefully on 29 December following a courageous battle with lymphoma. 

Jennifer was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and widely-renown purveyor of laughter and joy.  She was blessed with an irrepressible enthusiasm for life and shared that gift with all she met.  Jennifer laughed easily and her laugh resonated with a musical quality; it was spontaneously cheerful, infectious, and could brighten the gloomiest day.  It was unforgettable and so was she. 

Jennifer was born to Grafton “Cap” and Holly Wilson in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 14, 1962.  She attended Santa Fe high school in Alachua, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science in broadcasting in 1984.  Following graduation, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.  While in the Air Force, she served as a squadron executive officer at RAF Alconbury, UK, a group section commander at Travis Air Force Base, California, and earned a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1986.  She resigned from the Air Force in 1987 to marry the love of her life and support him in his Air Force career. 

Jennifer loved literature and thrilled in sharing that love with others.  While accompanying her husband around the globe, she earned her collegiate professional certificate from Christopher Newport University in 1991.  Jennifer subsequently taught at each of their assignment locations, most recently as an adjunct professor of English at Northwest Florida State College where she reveled in teaching non-traditional students. 

Filled with a boundless exuberance, Jennifer attacked life and lived it to the fullest.  She loved to water ski, snow ski, scuba dive, and travel.  She was also a patriot who loved her country and felt a call to use her talents to serve others.  As an Air Force wife, she served in numerous volunteer organizations.  For the past decade, she dedicated much of her time to Pet Welfare, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter located on Eglin Air Force Base, where she served in a variety of positions including board chairman, vice chair, volunteer coordinator, and shift leader.  For her many efforts, she was recognized as an Eglin Air Force Base volunteer excellence nominee in 2013.  Jennifer also performed volunteer work for Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and served as a Girl Scout Leader and adult volunteer at all levels, from Brownies to Ambassador.

Jennifer fought her nearly three-year battle against Lymphoma with grace, dignity, and ferocity.  She was an inspiration to many and her light will continue to blaze brightly for her countless friends and admirers.  Jennifer is survived by her husband of 29 years, Bob, their two daughters, Chelsea and Shelby Chapman, her parents, Cap and Holly Wilson and a sister, Susanne Bullard. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, 5 January, at 11:00 at Shalimar Methodist Church.  The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.  Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Pet Welfare, 683 Range Road, Eglin AFB, FL 32542 (850.678.5066).

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