IRVINGTON—Augusta Stuart Chapman Bunting died peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington, where she had lived since 2016.
Augusta was born in Richmond in March 1929 to Dr. Douglas G. Chapman and Augusta Stuart Chapman. With her older brother, Doug, they were a close family and kept close ties with their Chapman and Stuart families in Woodstock and Roanoke.
Augusta first grew up and went to school in Ginter Park. She graduated in 1947 from St. Catherine’s School, where she played multiple sports and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame. She graduated in 1951 from Hollins College, where she was a four-year member of the hockey and basketball varsity teams and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. She earned her master’s in physical education at Smith College.
Augusta taught physical education and coached at Brown University before returning to Richmond and beginning a long career of teaching physical education and coaching at Westhampton College, University of Richmond, until her retirement.
She pursued her lifelong love of the water by retiring to Urbanna, where she lived until 1990, when she moved to Reedville, and married Rev. Jere Bunting Jr. She was a congregant at Christ Church Parish in Saluda and later at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Fleeton. During her marriage to Jere, Gus, as she was known to her friends, took up golf, traveled, fished and even shot her first turkey.
Sis, as she was known to her family, was kind, generous and thoughtful. She looked out for those around her and took care of her parents and three aunts throughout their elder years. She was a special and beloved aunt to her niece and nephews.
Augusta was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Jere; her brother, Douglas G. Chapman Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Annette Brannon Chapman.
She is survived by her niece, Stuart Chapman Roberts (Bobby); her nephews, Doug Chapman III and Mason T. Chapman (Julie); and her great-niece and great-nephews, Tyler Roberts (Alex Evenson), Chap Roberts (Hayden), and Mason Chapman Jr. She is also survived by Jere’s children, Jere Bunting III, Cary B. Farr (Ron), Edward Bunting (Debra) and Margaret B. Ward (Randy); and Jere’s 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Augusta received loving and professional care throughout her residence at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, and her family extends their profound gratitude to all of the wonderful people there.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 18, at Christ Church Parish, Route 33, Saluda.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ Church Parish in Saluda, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Fleeton, or St. Catherine’s School in Richmond.
