Nancy Simmons Chapman

November 30, 1951 – July 12, 2025



Nancy Simmons Chapman, 73, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, service, music, and compassion.

Nancy was born on November 30, 1951, to Allen F. Simmons and Elizabeth (Van Arnam) Simmons. She grew up in a close-knit family with her siblings, Joanne, Robert, and Barbara. Family was at the heart of Nancy's world — from childhood vacations out west to the deeply rooted connections she cultivated later in life through her love of genealogy.

She was a proud graduate of South Side High School's Class of 1970 and continued her education at Bowling Green State University where she studied art. She also attended Valparaiso University and later IPFW. Nancy was also instrumental in organizing South Side High School's Class of 1970 reunions, ensuring classmates stayed connected through the years.

Nancy's talent as an artist was evident throughout her life — she created business logos, drew portraits, and lent her creative vision to set designs, including for the beloved Living Christmas Tree performances at Blackhawk Baptist Church.

She devoted over three decades to public service in Allen County, working in the Child Support Office, Election Board, and the Assessor's Office. Even in retirement, her passion for community, history, and helping others never waned.

Music was another of Nancy's lifelong callings. A gifted soprano, she was a fixture in church choirs and special events across Fort Wayne. Her powerful voice was matched by her generous spirit and her willingness to use her talents for the Lord, whether in a solo, ensemble, or choir loft.

Nancy was a devoted member of Blackhawk Baptist Church and later The Chapel, where she found community, spiritual growth, and joy in worship. Though health challenges in recent years prevented her from attending in person, her steadfast faith and love for Christ remained throughout her life.

She is survived by her loving husband, Reverend Leslie Chapman; her son, Christopher Braun (Christina); her daughter, Jennifer Flores; her stepchildren, Amy Crowell (Kent) and Jason Chapman; her grandchildren, Rainee Riecke (Adam), Melissa Braun, Alejandra Flores, and Stephen Braun; her step-grandchildren, Andrew Crowell, Stephen Crowell, Joseph Crowell, Nicholas Chapman, Jack Bixby, and Kathryn Bixby; her sisters, Joanne Osterholt and Barbara Kelley; and her sister-in-law, Roberta Simmons, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Monday, July 21, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Services will take place at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Coventry Meadows Rehab and Anew Hospice for their dedicated care in her final days.

Memorials may be directed to the family.