Melody Chapman

Melody Lynn Chapman returned to her heavenly home on Monday, April 27, 2020 after a valiant battle with a long illness, surrounded by her loved ones. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Melody was born on April 13, 1961 in Sedalia, MO to Bill and Grace Helvey. She graduated high school in Sedalia, MO in 1979. Melody began her college career by graduating with her AAs in Business Management from State Fair Community College in 1988. She graduated from CMSU in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She furthered her education by receiving her Masters of Science Degree in Education in 1996 from CMSU. She spent her professional career working for the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce from 1991-2007 as the Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Melody, worked closely with her colleague, Debbie Biermann, turned best friend were both instrumental in the restoration project of the Katy Depot. Melody later worked for State Fair Community College as the Director of Lifelong Learning from 2007 until her retirement in 2014. Melody has been a significant influence in the lives of her many grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with all of them. She also had many hobbies that she shared with her family and friends. Among those loves were; fishing, gardening, trains and traveling. Melody’s first union of marriage was in 1979 and to this union, two children were born, John Paul and Justin Robert. Her role as a mother was the most rewarding accomplishment of her life.

On May 31, 2002 Melody was united in marriage with the love of her life, William Clay Chapman. They spent their marriage traveling throughout the United States and Canada, going to new restaurants, and fishing anywhere they could. Upon her union with Bill, she also gained three bonus children, Jessica Cline, William Chapman and Christina Obiero. She is preceded in death by her father, Bill Helvey, infant brother, David Wilford Helvey, infant sister, Rebecca Lynne Helvey, mother in law, Leona Wilson and her nephew, Robbie Withers.

She is survived by her mother, Grace Helvey of Sedalia, MO; two sons, John Withers and wife Carrie Withers of Sedalia, MO, and Justin Withers and wife Ashlea Withers of Sedalia, MO; three step children, Jessica Cline and husband Aaron Cline of Liberty, MO, Christina Obiero of Warrensburg, MO and William Chapman of Sedalia, MO; eight grandchildren Abby Withers, Morgan Withers, Ayden Lutjen, Dayla Uriel, Ryleigh Cline, Reece Cline, Arionna Umbles and Damien Obiero; two siblings Bill Helvey and wife Deanna Helvey of Cole Camp, MO, and Teresa Haley of Sedalia, MO; one brother in law Dave Withers and wife Dianne Withers; two sister in laws, Gail Chapman of Surprise, AZ and Gloria Jackson of Ozark, MO; one aunt, Theresa Moore and husband Steven Moore of Sedalia, MO; nieces and nephews Jamie Long and wife Cristel Long of Bondurant, IA, Elizabeth Helvey of Cole Camp, MO, Billy Helvey of Cole Camp, MO, and Eddie Withers of Sedalia, MO; and great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Melody's life will be held at 6:30 pm, Friday, May 1, 2020 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia with Michael Wright officiating.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to SCHS Team Scream.