Dr. Shirley Ann Chapman

Vibrant, fashionable, youthful: these are just a few of the words that described our beloved Dr. Shirley Ann Chapman. Shirley graced us with her birth on August 24, 1944 in Baltimore, MD, as the youngest of six children of Mary Brown and Samuel Hardy. Although her joyful and timeless spirit often made us feel that we might have her in our lives forever, her days with us ended on July 12, 2026. An accomplished student throughout her life, Shirley attended public schools in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. She pursued her love of learning into adulthood, earning a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University; a Master of Administrative Science degree from Johns Hopkins University; and a Doctor of Education, Urban Educational Leadership – Administration and Supervision degree from Morgan State University. Shirley started her distinguished public service career with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, then rose steadily through the ranks, earned multiple performance awards, and retired as a Human Service Administrator with the State of Maryland. She also took great pride in teaching future scholars as a professor at Sojourner-Douglass College. Shirley led a dynamic life, full of fellowship, adventure, and next-level style. She was honored to serve as a member of the Prince Hall Affiliation Order of the Eastern Star; on the usher board of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, MD; and as a member of St. John Baptist Church in Columbia, MD. She also cherished her time with family and friends, and embraced experiences with gusto — from traveling like a road warrior, to knocking down walls to remodel her home, to hosting festive celebrations. It was not unusual for Shirley to sport a new hairstyle from one day to the next, complemented by outfits that were always in vogue, thanks to her keen eye for elegance. She was also a natural harmonizer — one who welcomed people in and built bridges that kept them together. Her passion for fellowship, eclectic interests, and unfailing sense of humor fostered a warm sense of love, well-being, and enjoyment in her presence. Shirley was married to the late Ronnie Fields, and afterward to the late Curtis Chapman. Among the many survivors who grieve her loss are her son, Ronald Kevin Fields; two grandchildren, Derrick Anthon Fields, Jr. and Dominic Demesho Fields; two great grandchildren, Eiley Schweigert and Lily Valentine Fields; brother, Rev. James Russell Hardy; sister-in-law, Loris Hardy; caring companion, Perry Simmons; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her son, Derrick Anthon Fields; three sisters, Mary Julia Hardy, Pauline Jeanetta Sturdivant, and Dorothy Rosetta Griggs; brother, William Joseph Hardy; brother-in-law, Wilbert Vanderbilt Sturdivant, Sr.; sister-in-law, Bertha Hardy; and a host of other loved ones.

Tributes

Dr. Shirley Ann Chapman

August 24, 1944 - July 12, 2026