Barbara Norris

Barbara L. Norris-Chapman left this world in the arms of Jesus on the morning of July 8, 2025. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born Barbara Lou Allen on August 4, 1938, in Fluvanna County, Virginia to John Robert and Alene Lucas Allen, and was the youngest of nine children. The family lived in the small rural town of Scottsville, Virginia where she attended school and accepted Christ at the local Union Baptist Church. Her family was what you might call the average family, but they were always very close. They loved and respected one another even into their adult lives. Barbara’s sweet smile and pleasant personality brightened the lives of so many even at an early age.

In 1952, she moved to the District of Columbia where she met William Roy Norris, and they were wed on December 20, 1953. Out of that union, they became the proud parents of four girls named Gwendolyn, Kathi, Kelley, and Lynda.

In 1955, William and Barbara opened a shoe repair business in concession with Blue Ribbon Cleaners. Later they opened three other locations throughout the District. During these years, Barbara was a full-time accountant and kept up the business operations for 10 years. After this, Barbara worked for the federal government for 21 years, retiring in 1999. Sadly, after her retirement, William passed away in 2002. On the side, she was also a licensed beautician.

On May 3, 2008, Barbara at the age of 69, married Deacon John Chapman, a widower from Churchton, Maryland. Barbara joined her husband as a faithful and devoted member, and deaconess of the “Church of God.” She was able to worship and praise God to a higher level. She began under the tutelage of the late Bishop George Hawkins and then Pastor Dr. Derek T. Hawkins. She could be seen waiving and clapping her hands, taking notes, and singing songs of Zion. Over the years, she participated in the Mother Day Choir, Health Fair where she was able to demonstrate her cooking skills, and the My Sisters Keeper Fellowship which she enjoyed to the fullest. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love, strength, and devotion to all her family, friends, brothers, and sisters, in Christ whom she loved with her heart, mind, body, and soul.

Barbara loved living on the Chesapeake Bay, boating, gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She was the secretary of the Allen Family reunion committee for over 40 years. Those who knew her best would describe her as the most patient, selfless, kindest, loving, and warm-hearted person they’ve had the pleasure of knowing. The family has lost one of its greatest treasures.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Gwen, Kathi, Kelley, and Lynda. Nine grandchildren, Talithia, Kelvic, Dion, Leon, Chelsey, Sammy, Angel, Melody, and Gabriel. She also leaves behind 15 great grandchildren. Her surviving siblings are Deacon Carlton C. Allen and Dorothy Lee Jones. Predeceased siblings are John H. Allen, Clinton L. Allen, Estelle M. Jackson, Edith O. Satterwhite, Peachie L. Brown, and Rosa J. Cabell. Lastly, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.