Hilda Jean Chapman Marshall, former resident of Eatonton, passed away on Sept. 18, 2023, at the age of 95.
She was an independent businesswoman who was able to make a life for herself that wasn’t always conventional. She set a wonderful example for her family by treating everyone with Christian love without judgment. Hilda was a people person and loved socializing.
She was born in Siloam, Georgia to the late Ollie Belle Mathews Chapman and Robert Clinton Chapman. Hilda was a popular basketball player for Greene County during her high school years.
After graduation, she pursued her hair styling talents eventually opening Hilda’s Beauty Shop, a business that thrived for over 50 years in Eatonton.
She was an active member of the Eatonton First Baptist Church. She loved her Sunday School class and participating in the senior choir. She was always ready for any activity offered and enjoyed many bus trips with her church family.
Hilda enjoyed her flower gardens, fishing, and a good card game. She thoroughly loved playing golf with friends. In later years, she was content with a puzzle and a good piece of chocolate candy.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jefferson (Jeff) Marshall, siblings Annie Lee Corry, Robert Owen “Johnny” Chapman, Caroline C. Gentry, and Edward Byron Chapman. She is survived by her sisters Helen Ashley and Joyce Webb.
She was the loving and supportive mother to Richard Chapman Marshall (Marlene) and Jana Marshall Thompson (Tony); her cherished granddaughters Rebecca Ellen Thompson (Julia), Cynthia Lee Mandarino (Jason), and Shelly Marie Cornett (Steven); five great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation was on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Eatonton First Baptist Church at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. Reverend Bill Kitchen officiated. Burial followed at Harmony Baptist Cemetery. Donations may be made to Eatonton First Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice in her memory.
Vining Ivy Hill Chapel of Eatonton was in charge of the arrangements.