News Summary
The Richmond community is grieving the loss of several remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to the area. Among them is Charles Rodney Chapman, a respected former judge. The community pays tribute to him and others who recently passed away, highlighting their legacies of service and dedication. Families remember their loved ones fondly, and memorial services are planned to celebrate their lives and contributions.
Local Community Mourns Notable Losses in October 2025
Richmond, VA — The Richmond community is mourning the loss of several remarkable residents who passed away in October 2025. Among the deceased is Charles Rodney Chapman, who departed peacefully on October 17, shortly after his 91st birthday. Known for his significant contributions to the community as a general district court judge, Chapman’s legacy is deeply felt among family, friends, and colleagues.
Chapman was born on May 10, 1934, at Sheltering Arms Hospital in Richmond, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Workman Childress and William Benjamin Chapman, as well as his sister, Nancy Chapman Yanchus. After losing his wife, Jean Lee Anderson Chapman, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, he is survived by three daughters: Susan Chapman Reilly of Richmond, Nancy Chapman Tolley of Williamsburg, and Mary Chapman Hendrix of Jacksonville, Florida. He also leaves behind a number of grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Linda Lou Piedmont and Jonnie Marie Lee.
Chapman’s educational background includes graduation from John Marshall High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 before attending Richmond College, graduating in 1960, and subsequently attaining his law degree from TC Williams School of Law in 1963. Chapman worked with Henrico County, beginning his career at the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in 1968. His appointment as a general district court judge in 1990 marked a noteworthy period of service that lasted until his retirement in 2002; he continued to serve as a substitute judge until 2020.
A passionate baseball fan, Chapman particularly enjoyed following the Phillies and the Reds. He was also a longtime member of Ridge Baptist Church, where he contributed as a Sunday School teacher and choir member. His love for cats, which he fondly referred to as “God’s Creatures,” added a gentle touch to his already warm personality. Many remembered Chapman for his great sense of humor and love for telling jokes.
Visitation for Chapman will take place on October 22 from 6 to 8 PM at Bennett Funeral Home in Glen Allen, VA, followed by a funeral service on October 23 at 1:00 PM. He will be interred at Mount Vernon Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Massey Cancer Center or the Henrico Humane Society.
Two additional notable residents also passed away this month: Janet W. Kramm, aged 81, who died on October 14, and Malinda Scott, aged 74, who passed on October 11. Kramm is survived by her children, Frankie Amburn and Misty Taylor, along with grandchildren Lauren Clay and Braden Christensen. Scott was surrounded by her family, including her devoted husband, Gayle.
In related news, Grace H. Denzler, aged 97, of Varina also passed away on October 17, having been preceded by her husband, John, and brother, MP “Boots” Hughes. She leaves behind her son John and family, including five great-grandchildren. Another resident, Lewis D. Wootton, aged 92, from Sandston died on October 19, followed by Jackie Adams, aged 79, who passed away on October 20. Wootton is survived by his daughter Evelyn W. Green and grandson Colby Cridlin, while Adams is remembered by her husband Richard and children Chris and Cindy, among other family members.
Adams graduated from Lee Davis High School in 1964, worked in dental administration, and retired from the Henrico County Jail East education department in 2008. She was recognized for her devout Christian faith and her sweet nature, always willing to extend help to others. Friends and family will gather to celebrate her life on October 29 from 6 to 8 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service on October 30 at 10 AM.
The passing of these notable individuals marks a significant loss for the Richmond community, as they leave behind a legacy of service, love, and dedication that will be remembered fondly by all who knew them.
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Additional Resources
- Bliley’s Funeral Home: Matthew Scott Branson
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy: James Holland Obituary
- Google Search: Richmond VA obituaries 2025
- Dignity Memorial: Jacquelin Adams
- Google Scholar: Community Obituaries
- Legacy: Thomas Strickland Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituaries
- Dignity Memorial: Lewis Wootton
- Google News: Richmond VA obituaries
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