Chapin Wilson

January 9, 1943 – February 9, 2025

A bright star faded when Chapin Wilson, of Shipman, Virginia, passed away on February 9, 2025. He had a special way of lighting up a room and bringing smiles to many with his joyful spirit. He leaves a legacy that he “never met a stranger.”

Chapin was born in Norfolk, Virginia, where he spent his early years there and in Virginia Beach. A prolific storyteller, he especially liked to talk about growing up with his four beloved siblings, his mama, and fishing with his father.

Chapin graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in history. His professional life, spanning 30 years, was devoted to health care policy and advocacy. Although he would never boast, he was responsible for enhancing quality of life for countless children and families. Chapin was most proud of his work with the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program (EPSDT) which provided preventive health care for lower income children throughout the country. He was involved in the program’s start-up and was one of only two Division Chiefs, responsible for assisting states to implement the program and monitoring their progress. The program continues to help families today.

Chapin was a gifted organizer and worked for over 10 years with the American Federation of Government Employees (AGFE) as the legislative representative for Social Security and health issues. He was a liaison to Congress and Social Security field offices and teleservice centers and highly respected in national and grassroots arenas for his communication and coalition-building skills.

A lover of the outdoors, Chapin was equally content at the ocean and in the mountains. In 1965 he bought land in Nelson County between Shipman and Rockfish, where he lived periodically until moving full time in 2005. He reminisced fondly of his periodic work teaching, including at Schuyler elementary school in Nelson County, from 1968 – 1969. He witnessed first-hand the impact of Hurricane Camille.

Family and friends have many heart-warming memories of Chapin driving his mid-50’s Ford tractor to plow fields and prepare garden plots. He created a haven for hummingbirds and multiple other winged friends, and spent many hours exploring the woods, waterways, wildflowers, and back roads of Nelson County. With a “wandering Celt” spirit, Chapin had a keen sense of adventure and travel was an important part of his life. He drove across the USA several times, always looking for the most genuine and local experiences. He went to 47 of the 52 national parks in the US mainland and loved visiting the tropical island of Dominica and La Foce in Italy, among many other places.

Chapin was extremely community oriented and active in the fight against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and with a focus on increasing voter turnout, spent many hours going door to door during elections. He enjoyed many kinds of music and was a familiar face at local musical events, always singing along.

Chapin will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. Wearing his trademark hats in every season, he was truly “one of a kind” who gave love and kindness unconditionally. Those who were fortunate enough to have known him were blessed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Chapin Edward Wilson and Lucile Alice Davis; and sisters, Patsy Wilson Kibler, Deborah Wallace Strole, and Ann Carlisle Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Janice Jackson; brother Michael Blair Wilson (Susan); son Shea Wilson (Colleen Martin and grandchildren Megan and Daniel); son Christopher Wilson (Erica); daughter Lisa Wilson Dore (Tim and grandchildren Nicholas, Caroline, and Henry, who called him the “tickle monster”); nieces Ann Carlisle Strole; Emily Strole (Micah, Kanoa, and Odin); Jaime Wilson-Spik (Zander); Jennifer Chwan (Taylor and Grace); and nephew Michael Wilson (Kathy; Brayden and Caitlin).

A celebration of life will be held in May.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).