Elizabeth Gumm Chapman

Elizabeth Gumm Chapman, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, 51 of Vienna, W.Va. passed away on March 9, 2014 unexpectedly.She was born on January 16, 1963 in Parkersburg, W.Va. As a child, she was known for being an exceptionally bright and gifted student. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1981. In 1987, she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a teaching certificate from Glenville State College. Shortly after, she began a career as an English teacher, which she often described as her calling. She was beloved by her students and was particularly dedicated to inspiring students who found themselves in need.After nine years of teaching, she pursued a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Her ability to engage West Virginia's healthcare community earned her top sales honors and awards.Throughout her life she was an avid reader and generously offered her vast collection of books as a personal library for friends and family. She was a patron of the arts and was especially passionate about theater. She performed in numerous school and community productions around the state.Elizabeth is preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Gumm; and her step-sister, Caroline Straight. She is survived by her parents, Kenneth and Judith Gumm of Vienna, W.Va. and Donald and Sandra Sandy of Parkersburg, W.Va.; her children, a daughter, Kelsey M. Chapman of Huntington, W.Va. and a son, Grant H. Chapman of Providence, RI; a sister, Sherri L. Bartimus of Hilliard, OH; step-sisters, Cynthia (Sam) Hudson, Stephanie Dudley of Vienna, W.Va., and Katherine (John) Oplinger of Parkersburg, W.Va.; step-brothers, Donald R. (Becky) Sandy of Parkersburg, W.Va., David (Angela) Sandy of Cayce, SC, Thomas (Lainie) Sandy of Cincinatti, OH and Rev. Douglas Sandy of Spencer, W.Va.The funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St. Parkersburg, W.Va. with her step-brother, Reverend Douglas Sandy and Reverend William Law officiating. The interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family asks that donations be made in Elizabeth's name to First Book, a charity that combats illiteracy in the U.S. by donating books to schools in low income communities, at www.firstbook.org.