Lori Ellen Smith Chapman, 48

February 10, 1977 – January 1, 2026

After a battle fought with quiet courage and a faith held unwaveringly strong, our beloved mother, devoted wife, cherished daughter, precious sister, and treasured friend, Lori Ellen Smith Chapman, age 48, was made new and whole as she entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday night, January 1, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and friends.

Funeral services honoring the beautiful life of Mrs. Lori will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation from 1:00 PM until the hour of service. Bro. Jason Franklin will read the obituary, and her father, Bro. Randy Smith, will offer words of comfort. A graveside service will follow in the Chapman Cemetery.

Born on February 10, 1977, in Winona, Mississippi, Mrs. Lori was the daughter of Bro. Randy Smith and Shelia Gresham Smith. She was a 1995 graduate of Ripley High School and continued her education at Northeast Mississippi Community College before earning her degree in Education from Blue Mountain Christian College, where she graduated with one of the highest honors, Magna Cum Laude.

On April 19, 1997, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Brit Chapman. Together, they shared more than twenty-eight years of marriage rooted in true love, determination, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Remaining faithful to her roots and her calling, Mrs. Lori devoted twenty-five years to teaching second grade in the Ripley School System. A true gift to education, she poured her heart into every child who walked through her classroom doors. She was more than a teacher—she was a guide, a nurturer, and a steady source of encouragement whose influence will be felt for generations.

A devoted Christian and faithful member of Grace Bible Church, Mrs. Lori’s love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident in every season of her life. She believed wholeheartedly in His Word and never lost sight of His promises. Even through her ALS diagnosis, she remained humble, steadfast, and anchored in her faith. Above all else, she stayed committed to her family. Never once did she stop caring deeply for those she loved. Even on her hardest days, her children remained her greatest concern, as she continued to check on them, encourage them, and make sure they were always okay.

Affectionately known as “Lo-Lo” to many, her most treasured title was “No-No,” lovingly given by her granddaughter, Everleigh, whom she adored beyond measure.

Mrs. Lori was truly a lady of grace. Though her life was marked by challenges, her determination, strength, and devotion to her family shone far brighter than any hardship. While her presence here on earth will be deeply missed, her loved ones find comfort in knowing that Lori has been healed, restored, and welcomed home.

As Scripture reminds us in Ruth chapter 1, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay.” Those words so beautifully reflect the life Lori lived—a life of loyalty, selfless love, and unwavering commitment to both her faith and her family. We release her into God’s loving arms, knowing that the same hands that now hold her will one day welcome us home.

In addition to her husband, Brit, and parents, Bro. Randy and Mrs. Shelia, Lori’s legacy continues to live on through her two daughters, Sydney Wilbanks (Cole), and Carley Chapman (Joe Mathis), her son, Will Chapman, her sister, Christy Williams (Ryan), her brother, Randy Smith Jr. (Susie), her granddaughter, Everleigh, her nephews, Landon Williams, Jack Reid, and Charlie Cross, and her nieces, Abigail Williams, Annalese Cross, Mallie Reid, and Molly Smith, along with countless extended family members and friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.

Mrs. Lori was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Melvin and Norma Gresham and Mamie and Larry Smith.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Lori’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Sunday
January 4, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Sunday
January 4, 2026
3:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral