Laura Luvenice Chatman

Laura Luvenice Chatman, age 96, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017 at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Chatman, daughter of the late Joseph and Louibbie Tooley Sisson, was born April 26, 1920 at Cabool, Mo. The family moved to Poplar Bluff when she was seven years old. During a tent revival held at the Coca Cola lot in Poplar Bluff with Evangelist Joe Jeffers, Mrs. Chatman made a confession of Salvation and was baptized into Second Baptist Church. She was a charter member of Twin Springs Baptist Church and at various times held positions in all of the church offices except Clerk. She served as treasurer for 20 years.

In the mid 60’s, she was chosen “Youth Leader of Butler County” for her work in 4H Clubs and GA Auxiliaries at Twin Springs Church, In 1981, she was chosen Altrusan of the Year as well as Woman of the Year for the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority

Mrs. Chatman had a big family and enjoyed making quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. She remembered each family member’s birthday and would send birthday cards with a gift to each. She also won numerous ribbons at the Senior Citizen’s Flower Show, including “Best of Show”.

Mrs. Chatman was a stay at home mom until the youngest of her six children started to school. She then worked for eight years for the Poplar Bluff Schools, then worked 20 years as Director of Nutrition at Twin Towers Dining Room. In their declining health she cared for both of her parents as well as her mother-in-law.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking, canning, reading, sending cards to the sick and family gatherings at her home.

On Dec. 24, 1936, she was married to Houston Chatman, the only boy she ever dated. They were married by C. E. Sells, pastor at Twin Springs Baptist Church. They celebrated their 50th anniversary at Twin Towers in December 1986. He proceeded her in death in 1989.

Survivors include her children, Louise Ste Croix (Lucien), Laverne Clark, Donna Hatley (Ron), Carolyn Borton, Jerry Chatman (Regina); 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Barbara Comer; and two special nephews, Jerry Sisson and Larry Sisson.

A daughter, Wilma Fowler and a grandson, Michael Crider preceded her in death.

Visitation will begin at noon on Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. The Rev Roger Mayo will officiate with the Rev. Steve Fowler assisting. Burial will take place at Black Creek Cemetery in Butler County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Twin Springs Baptist Church, 1190 County Rd. 461 Poplar Bluff, MO. 63901