Kentish Express Ashford & District
Tributes to former head teacher, 104
Family remembers ex-Willesborough leader
A former headmistress who taught scores of pupils in the town has died at the age of 104.
Phyllis Chapman, who moved to Ashford in 1950, died last month following a bout of pneumonia.
She had taught in and around the town for more than two decades.
Speaking in tribute, her niece Sue Grindey says her aunt was “such a gentle lady”.
“She was very caring, very thoughtful,” she said.
“Anyone who met her loved her.
“I know a lot of people will remember her - she taught so many people, and then taught their children.
“She would be very well known.”
Miss Chapman, who was originally from London, took up a post at Willesborough Infant School after moving to Ashford.
She stayed there for four years before moving to a school in Stowting for six years.
But she returned to Willesborough in 1960, becoming the school’s head teacher.
She held the position for 16 years before retiring in 1976, aged 62.
During retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Ashford’s Save the Children branch.
She was also a member of St Mary’s Church in the town centre.
Although Miss Chapman, formerly of Magazine Road, moved to Cheshire to be closer to family at the age of 80, she still kept an eye of her former home.
Mrs Grindley adds: “Phyllis was in Ashford a long time and was very happy there.
“She kept in touch with friends and liked to know how the town was doing.
“She absolutely loved teaching. She also enjoyed gardening and loved wildlife and birds.
“This Christmas she celebrated her 105th Christmas, which is pretty amazing.”
Miss Chapman was born in the capital on August 29, 1914, the same month the First World War broke out.
She attended the North London Collegiate School for girls between 1925 to 1932, before studying to become a teacher at Froebel Educational Institute, in Roehampton, now Froebel College.
She taught at schools across the country, including in Dorset, Bognor Regis, Cornwall, Birmingham and the Midlands, before moving to Ashford.
Miss Chapman continued volunteering after moving to Macclesfield in Cheshire.
She lived in her own flat, with the help of careers and family, until a month before her death.
Her funeral was held in Macclesfield, on Tuesday, March 12.
She leaves behind her niece Sue, as well as Sue’s husband John, their three children and one great-great niece, Molly.
Were you ever taught by Phyllis Chapman? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk
‘I know a lot of people will remember her she taught so many people, and then taught their children. She would be very well known in the town...’ - Sue Grindey, niece