WILMINGTON — Gabby, also known as Gladys Faye Callahan Chapman and affectionately nicknamed “Gabby” by her brothers and sisters, was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. She passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Gabby was born on April 5, 1951, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, to James Ray Chapman and Mildred Chapman. She grew up in Rutherfordton and remained a true mountain girl at heart, carrying the warmth, strength, and beauty of the mountains with her throughout her life.
Gabby brought light wherever she went. Her joy was contagious, her wit quick, and her outlook on life remarkable. People were naturally drawn to her, and she had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. Like a beacon, she shone brightly for all those around her.
Above all else, Gabby loved Jesus. Her faith was not merely something she spoke about; it was the foundation of the life she lived. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir at Mountain View Baptist Church, but her greatest testimony was found in the way she lived each day. For more than fifteen years, she endured sickness and many limitations, yet she continued to glorify God through her suffering. Her strength, joy, faith, and unwavering trust in the Lord reflected the love of Jesus to everyone who knew her.
Gabby loved her family deeply. She loved her husband, Robert Lee Callahan, and cherished the life and family they shared. She found great joy in being a wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and treasured every moment spent with those she held dear. She was an amazing cook and especially enjoyed preparing Sunday dinners for her family after church. She loved gardening and seemed to possess a God-given green thumb. She also enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit family and walking along the beach in search of seashells. Even when illness kept her from many of the activities she loved, her love for life, her family, and the Lord remained steadfast.
Gabby is survived by her daughters, Crystal Lee Woody and Kelley Denae Marlowe; her son-in-law, Robby Woody and Brian Marlowe; her grandchildren, Dustin Adams, Jordan Adams, Emily Sutton, and Emma Marlowe; and her great-grandchildren, Claire Sutton and Vinny Sutton, Willow and Aubrey.
She is also survived by her siblings, Billy Ray Chapman, Dennis Chapman, Teresa Scoggins, and Deloris Chapman Haller, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.
Gabby leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, laughter, generosity, and steadfast devotion to Jesus. Though her absence leaves an ache in the hearts of those who loved her, we find comfort knowing that her earthly suffering is over and that she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior and the loved ones who went before her.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16
Gabby lived as that light—faithful to Jesus, radiant in love, and unwavering through every trial. Her journey on earth is complete, but the light of her faith and the legacy of her love will continue to shine through all who knew her.
In keeping with Gabby’s wishes and the family’s desire to honor her privately, there will be no formal funeral or public memorial service at this time.
In the coming weeks, her family will bring her ashes home to the mountains and gather with family and close friends for a private celebration of her life. We will take her to The Knob, a place that represents home and the mountains she loved, and share a meal together as we remember, laugh, cry, and celebrate the beautiful life God gave us through her.
The date and details of this gathering will be shared with family and close friends as plans are finalized.
We are grateful for every person who loved Gabby, prayed for her, cared for her, encouraged her, and was blessed by the light she carried. While we will miss her more than words can say, we rejoice that she is finally free from suffering and home with Jesus.
