Hattie M. Smith, 76, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020. She was born on November 18, 1943, in Akron, OH. She was the third child, and only daughter, of the late Howard Chapman Jr. and Elizabeth Kohler Chapman.
She resided in the Akron area for most of her life and graduated from Buchtel High School. Later in life, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and, prior to falling ill, she was in pursuit of a master’s degree at the University of Akron. For several years, she ran a daycare service for children in the Akron area. Hattie often spoke fondly of her days as a child, growing up on the Chapman family farm, surrounded by her five brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. This experience prepared her well, as she would later raise four young men of her own.
She maintained a strong Christian faith throughout her life and leaned on that to take her through the tough times’ life sent her way. All her sons will tell you that a serious conversation about life’s twists and turns rarely ended without the question or advice – “have you prayed about it ?,” “you should talk to God about it”. Many of those prayers started with – “God, my Momma said to talk to you”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Elizabeth Chapman, and brothers Phillip Sr., Darryl Sr., and Michael Chapman.
Left to honor her memory, she leaves her children, Damon Smith, Timothy Smith, Jacques (Kelly) Smith, and Samuel Smith; two granddaughters, Ivanna and Natasha Smith will cherish her memory. She is also survived by brothers David (Margaret) Chapman of Atlanta and Gregory Chapman of Akron and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.