Shanna Jo Chapman , 68, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 12:05 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at Coventry Meadows, Fort Wayne.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 11, 1955, she was a daughter of Felix Henry Poole and Joyce Elaine (Ferris) Poole. Growing up in Lincoln, she completed elementary school there. Moving to Janesville, WI, she graduated from Craig High School in 1973. She continued her education at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville.

On August 6, 1977, she married Robert A. Chapman. They made their home in Janesville, where they began their family, having two daughters. In 1986, they transferred to the Fort Wayne GM Assembly Plant, making their home in Fort Wayne. In 2000, they moved to rural Whitley County, and in 2017 to Columbia City.

In addition to being a full-time homemaker, from 1994 to 2001, she worked at the Taylor University Fort Wayne Campus. A woman of faith, she had a strong desire to help others, especially young women in need. She was instrumental in the Restore My Soul ministry, providing guidance, comfort, and assistance to young women.

At home, she enjoyed gardening vegetables and flowers, and caring for her miniature horses, dogs, and cats. She leaves behind her cat, B. She liked fishing and taking paddle boat rides on the lake with her grandkids. Being from Lincoln, she was a Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball and football fan. She also followed the basketball career of Coach K of Duke and had an affinity for Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.

When the grandkids came along, they became her focus and delight. She loved playing card games with them, coloring, flying kites, and teaching them about Jesus.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 46 years, Robert; daughters, Amanda J. (Eric) Dunaway of Palm Harbor, FL, and Jessica K. (TJ) Baker of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren, Breanna, Sophia, Maggie, Gibson, Ellie, and Bella; her mother, Joyce Poole Johnson of Janesville, WI; brothers, Gregg (Yvonne) Poole of Cortland, NE, and Timothy Poole of Lincoln, NE; and a sister, Lora (Joseph) Poole-Babcock of Janesville; and her adored nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, F. Henry Poole.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday (August 3rd) at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Shanna's honor are to the Church of the Second Chance, Columbia City.

This service will be live-streamed through our Facebook page.