Nashville, TN, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Judy Jean Chapman, an esteemed leader in Vanderbilt’s medical community, passed away at 83. Renowned for her contributions to nursing education and maternal-infant care, she authored numerous articles and inspired many medical students. Her legacy lives on through awards and spaces named in her honor, reflecting her commitment to healthcare and community service.
Nashville, Tennessee – Judy Jean Chapman, a respected leader in the Vanderbilt medical community, passed away on September 8, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on November 18, 1941, in Nashville, she was the only child of the late M.E. and Julia Cox. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John E. Chapman, who notably served as Dean of the Vanderbilt School of Medicine for 25 years.
Chapman earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University in 1963, graduating first in her class and receiving the prestigious Founder’s Medal in Nursing. Furthering her education, she obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Florida in 1966. Shortly after graduating, she returned to Vanderbilt, where she joined the faculty of the School of Nursing, specializing in maternal-infant nursing.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Chapman published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, concentrating on topics such as breastfeeding and parent education. She served as the clinical editor of Perinatal Nursing, a publication that has since been translated into Spanish and French. During the early 1980s, Chapman held the position of Interim Dean at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. In addition, she earned her EMT certification and became a faculty member at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine, where she offered electives in emergency medical services, later becoming a Senior Associate in the Department of Emergency Medicine.
To honor her contributions, a teaching award in the Department of Emergency Medicine was named in recognition of both Mrs. Chapman and her husband. Additionally, a quadrangle at the Vanderbilt Medical Center bears the name of Judy and Dr. Chapman. They were known for welcoming medical students into their home, fostering a supportive community environment and inspiring excellence among future healthcare professionals.
After a remarkable career, Judy Jean Chapman retired as Emeritus Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Her dedication extended into her community service as she participated on various boards and committees throughout Middle Tennessee and contributed to an international research board.
A passionate supporter of Vanderbilt athletics, she enjoyed attending football and baseball games. In her leisure time, she also tended to her orchids and other plants and loved to travel. Judy Jean Chapman is survived by her godsons, Cory (Angel Rose) Stratton and Evan Stratton. A heartfelt expression of gratitude has been extended to her close friends and caregivers for their unwavering support.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillsboro Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When did Judy Jean Chapman pass away? – Judy Jean Chapman passed away on September 8, 2025.
- What educational degrees did Judy Chapman earn? – Judy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Vanderbilt in 1963 and obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Florida in 1966.
- What was Judy Chapman’s specialization in nursing? – Chapman specialized in maternal-infant nursing.
- What memorial service is planned for Judy Chapman? – A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillsboro Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN.
Key Features of Judy Jean Chapman’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1941 |
| Date of Passing | September 8, 2025 |
| Education | Bachelor’s from Vanderbilt (1963), Master’s from University of Florida (1966) |
| Career Highlights | Faculty member at Vanderbilt, authored articles, served on boards |
| Memorial | Memorial Service on September 27, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Judy Jean Chapman Obituary
- Legacy: Dr. Judy Holmes Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Barbara Poe Obituary
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt University
- Google Search: Judy Jean Chapman
Author: HERE Nashville
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