Carolene Jo Chapman

Carolene Jo Chapman, 88, of Robinson, IL, passed away on September 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family in the sunroom where she and her husband, John, spent countless hours. She was born on May 31, 1937, in Rhinelander, WI, to Russell & Marie (Meyers) Leonard. Her childhood was spent in many places before her family eventually settled in Robinson, where she graduated from Robinson High School in 1955. At just 18, she eloped with her high school sweetheart, John Allen Chapman. Their marriage, spanning more than six decades, became the heart of her story. Together, they built a life marked by loyalty, laughter, and a constant sense of adventure. With Jerry & Mary Carey’s tour groups, they explored Austria, Germany, Italy, Alaska, and even Jerusalem. Whether on the road or at home, their days were full: pranking friends, sharing meals with their “lunch bunch” at Hardee’s and McDonald’s, or simply sitting side by side enjoying life together.

Carolene worked for a time at Limerick Finance before joining First Robinson Savings Bank when it opened its doors. Starting as a teller, she worked her way up to investment services before retiring in 1987. Along the way, she carried the same warmth and honesty that people loved about her in every corner of her life. But it was outside of work where Carolene’s life truly bloomed. She poured herself into her home and her community. She was a 4-H leader who taught girls to sew, an active member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, and a faithful participant in a Bible study for more than 35 years. Her faith was steady and practical, as she prayed about everything and often reminded those around her, “This too shall pass.”

She loved the simple joys: a Coca-Cola, a good Lifetime or Hallmark movie, or a day of shopping that might include malls, garage sales, auctions, or flea markets. Shopping wasn’t just a pastime; it was a hobby, a treasure hunt, and often an excuse for a road trip. She collected figurines, trinkets, and five-finger vases, and she turned odds and ends of glass into crafts. Sewing, quilting, and gardening gave her endless satisfaction, and even when she could no longer plant herself, she directed John on where to dig.

She delighted in capturing beauty wherever she found it. With her camera in hand, she took countless photos of family and friends, and she never passed an old barn without stopping to preserve its weathered charm. Music was another joy, and in her younger years, she loved to dance, often to the smooth sounds of Engelbert Humperdinck playing from the big stereo cabinet. Her laughter, always full and unrestrained, became as much a soundtrack to her family’s life as the songs she played.

Carolene’s generosity ran deep. She was thoughtful with her words, quick with encouragement, and remarkably giving with what she had, especially with her time. She never missed a chance to support her children and grandchildren, traveling near and far for games and activities with pride and joy in her heart. Her life was a patchwork quilt of love and goodness, stitched together by loyalty to her husband, care for her family, and gratitude for the everyday gifts of life.

Her love lives on in her family: her son & daughter-in-law, Brian & Leslie Chapman of Robinson, IL; her grandchildren & their spouses, Lauren Marie & Jeron Harris of Robinson, IL, John Brian “JB” & Hannah Chapman of Indianapolis, IN, Jon Cody Chamblin of Cody, WY, Christopher & Heather Miller of Queen Creek, AZ, and John & Carolyn Miller of Colorado; her great-grandchildren, Cole Miller and Ellie Miller; her siblings, Emella “DeeDee” Trout, Barbara “Bobbie” Murray; her siblings-in-law, Rose Bolton, Kay Leonard Wilkin, and Ron Atchison; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She married John Allen Chapman on September 24, 1955, and he preceded her in death on August 2, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Russell & Marie Leonard; by her daughter, Susan Diane (Chapman) Miller; by her siblings, Jon Howard Leonard, Bette Ann Schmidt, Ruby Atchison, Jim Leonard, and John Russell Bolton; and by her brothers-in-law, Ron Murray and Don Trout.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow and be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, with Pastor Judy Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either the NOW Program or to Redeeming Love Ministries. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.