Burnice W. Chapman was the second daughter of Raymond and Sallie Wills, born June 20, 1925 in L&N Junction, Kentucky. The family quickly outgrew the small-town surroundings and headed north seeking better working prospects.  Mr. and Mrs. Wills ended up in Dayton, Ohio where they planted their feet.  Burnice attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1943. She began her undergraduate education at the University of Dayton where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 1947.  She later received her Master's Degree from Wittenburg University in 1959.  It was during these years that she met and  married Dr. Ames Chapman in September of 1950. Together they raised two sons, Edward and Gary in Wilberforce, Ohio.  Her first working experience was with the Veterans Administration in Dayton, but her true calling in teaching came when she began her career in education at East Lincoln Elementary  and Simon Kenton Elementary in Xenia, Ohio. She would remain with the school system until her retirement in 1983.

Burnice always led a full and active life. She took up the sport of golf along with her sister Ruby and her family became known as a "Golfing" family.  She had five "hole in ones", and was always in pursuit of her husband Ames who had 22.  They would travel the world together with their golf clubs as their primary baggage!  In her heydays she was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  She was also actively engaged with membership in the Dayton Epicureans, The Links, Twentieth Century Club, and Jack and Jill of America.  She enjoyed playing cards with her bridge club, and would often be found playing tonk with Ames, Ruby and her brother-in-law, George.  In her later years, you could find Burnice watching and cheering for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team and winning most tonk games that she played with her son Eddie and her niece, Kimya.  Until her health kept her from regular Sunday services, she would take her middle aisle seat at Zion Baptist Church, Xenia, proudly listening to her son Gary as he carried out his ministerial role as pastor.

After a series of hospitalizations and being cared for by the sacrificial and loving hands of her son Eddie who took on the role of caregiver to both of his parents, Burnice left this world at her home, peacefully on Tuesday June 3rd.  Over her nearly 10 decades of living, God blessed Burnice Wills Chapman with the ability to touch many lives through her grace, spirit and humor.   Be reassured to know that she truly recognized that she was blessed to live a good life, with few regrets and many inspirational moments!  Those left to cherish fond memories with eternal loving affection are her sons, Edward  and Gary (Faith); her grandchildren, Mahogany, Malachi and Daniel; her niece, Kimya Moyo and children: Kweli, Ki-Afi Ra, Kilolo, and Kush; her cousins, Michele Titi and the Titi family; her cousins, Meyer, Deborah, Anita, Karen and Christi Stansberry; her nephew, Herman Chapman; her cousin, Eugene Robinson (Jacqui); special friend, Mae Ferris Page King, and a host of relatives and friends.

When Burnice spoke, she always had something significant to say.  And everyone always listened.  Her most notable saying was, "... ".  As time moves forward, listen carefully as the wind blows. For you will most assuredly hear her whispers of wisdom in your ear.

In honoring her wishes, Burnice will have a graveside service at 11:00 AM on Saturday June 14, 2025, at Valley View Cemetery in Xenia.  Immediately following, there will be a Celebration of Life Repast at Zion Baptist Church, Xenia.  All are welcome to join the family as we express love for and celebrate the life of Burnice Wills Chapman.