MARILYN CHAPMAN ALLISON, PhD was born on April 21, 1957 to Herschel Sr. and Irene (nee’ Salter) Chapman in Buffalo, New York, Marilyn was the youngest of her three siblings. As the youngest and the only daughter, she was protected, spoiled and adored by the entire family.
In her early years at both The Campus School and Bennett High School, Marilyn was an honor roll student and always demonstrated her academic and leadership abilities. She spoke fluent French, was a member of the Black Student Union, Student Council and organized the Brother and Sisters Unlimited Social Club.
Marilyn received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Howard University, Washington, DC and her Masters Degree in Finance from SUNY Empire State College. In 2016, she received her Ph.D. from Niagara University with a dissertation on “Disparities and Systematic Racism Policies and Practices Related to Healthcare Reform, Employment, and Incarcerations: A Multi- faceted Analysis of Contemporary Experiences in the United States.”
With a career in human resources management spanning over thirty years, Marilyn served in several positions throughout the country before returning to Buffalo with her husband in 2010 to take care of her ailing father. Prior to relocating to New Orleans, LA in 2018, Marilyn served as Director of Human Resources and Acting CEO for Sheehan Health Network, Buffalo, NY and Director of Human Resources for the Buffalo Medical Group also in Buffalo. At the time of her transition in New Orleans, Marilyn was the Vice President of Human Resources for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc. specializing in human capital, human resource operations, benefits, talent acquisition and organizational development. Her credentials include SPHR (Senior Professional Human Resources) and CERS (Certified Employee Relations Specialist).
Throughout her adult life, Marilyn has served her community unselfishly and belonged to many sororal and civic organizations, including: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Omicron Lambda Omega Chapter, New Orleans, LA and Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, Buffalo, NY; Crescent City (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, New Orleans, LA; Erie County (NY) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, Buffalo, NY; NAACP; Junior League of Buffalo; The Zonta Club of Buffalo; Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club; Black Achievers of Buffalo; Leadership Buffalo, just to name a few.
Marilyn doted over her family, especially her nieces and nephews. She was a loyal and devoted friend. She loved to travel and truly embraced life, always looking for a new adventure. Humble in spirit, she never sought praise or the spotlight but was always in the shadows conducting the train.
Marilyn accepted Christ at an early age as member of St. John Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY where her brother, Overseer Michael Chapman, currently serves as Pastor. There she was a Deaconess and also served on the usher board. As a resident of New Orleans, she attended Morningstar Baptist Church, Marrero, LA where she continued her service to God and community.
Dr. Chapman Allison is survived by her husband: Benjamin; stepchildren: Laricia Poullard, Marcia Sampe (Cardae), Moriah, and Benjamin, Jr. (Chelsea’); ten grandchildren; brothers: Pastor Herschel Chapman Jr., and Pastor Michael (Ina) Chapman; sister-friends: Paula (Jerry), Inez, Elaine and Joyce; Godchildren: Jerry Christopher, Lauren Christina; nieces and nephews: Stephanie Deonna, Stephen Booker, Staci (Rolando), Harrison Jamal, Kenyatta Jameel, Mikeyta Irene (William), Tiffany Oria, Tera Elizabeth, and Michael II (Taresa); great nieces & nephews: Stephanie, Kyle, Andre, Shartinque, JaQuan, JaLynn, Stephen III, Sparkle (Mathew), Aaron, Amari, Treasure (Chance), Emon’ey (Mathew), Tramaine, Syniah, Anajah, Randee, Trinity Ina, Kenyatta Imaj, Donté, My’chael, Dasean, Noelle, Mecca Marilyn, Terron, Jahmeir, Tramiya, Demya, Miracle, William, Zakiyah, Eli, Michael III, Taresa, Jhere; great-great nieces & nephews: Shawn, De’ari, Malia, Wiinter, Jarian, Kelan, Journie, Stephen IV, Nova; relatives: Anderson, Ashley, Davis, Egleton, Lilly, Salter and a host of special friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Herschel Sr. and Irene (nee’ Salter) Chapman; and brother, Stephen Chapman.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10 AM – 12 PM at St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street. Celebration of Life Services to follow at 12 Noon. Final resting place Forest Lawn Cemetery, Serenity Mausoleum.
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