In Loving Memory of Blanche Chapman Zamsky

July 21, 1941 – June 21, 2026

Blanche Chapman Zamsky, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on June 21, 2026, in the home she cherished for 52 years, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was 84 years old.

Born on July 21, 1941, to the late A.E. Chapman and Evelyn Chapman, Blanche was a woman of extraordinary strength, grace, creativity, and determination. She lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, hard work, and an adventurous entrepreneurial spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve J. Zamsky, with whom she shared many wonderful years before his passing in December 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Jerry Chapman and Charles Chapman.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dawn Melancon, Craig Melancon and wife Tanji, and Andrea West and husband Michael. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Monique Penton and husband Brad, Ashley Prewitt and husband Matthew, Ava Taft, and Zachary Taft. Her greatest joys in life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Braden, Brody, and Silas Penton, and Job, Rachel Kate, and Ellis Prewitt.

She is also survived by her sister, Lena Aaron and husband Jerry, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and treasured friends.

After attending LSU, Blanche embraced her roles as wife and mother before embarking on a successful and diverse professional career. She became a licensed Realtor in both Louisiana and Mississippi, helping countless families find homes and build dreams. Long before female entrepreneurship was common, Blanche fearlessly pursued her business ambitions, opening the Pony Express Western Store in Picayune, Mississippi, during the late 1970s. Years later, she opened an antique shop in Old Town Picayune, combining her love of history, beauty, and treasured heirlooms.

Her professional accomplishments extended beyond business ownership. Blanche served with distinction as the Commander of the Army’s Secretary, earning numerous awards and commendations for her dedication, leadership, and service.

Blessed with remarkable artistic talents, Blanche was a gifted singer, pianist, poet, and artist. She performed with the musical trio “We Three,” whose talents led them to sing backup on recordings and perform at the 1984 World’s Fair. Music remained one of her lifelong passions, bringing joy not only to her but to everyone fortunate enough to hear her sing.

Blanche was known for her love of antiques, her creative spirit, and her ability to make any house feel like a home. She possessed a rare combination of strength and elegance. As the matriarch of her family, she provided wisdom, stability, and unwavering love through every season of life.

She was also known for her timeless beauty. Friends and family often remarked on her grace and radiant appearance. Even in her later years, Blanche carried herself with the same beauty, dignity, and poise that had defined her throughout her life.

In her final days, she was rarely alone. Faithful to the end, her beloved Pomeranian, Patches, remained faithfully by her side, offering comfort and companionship until her peaceful passing.

Though her family grieves her absence, they take comfort in knowing she lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, creativity, and faith. Her influence will continue through the generations she nurtured and inspired.

A woman of many talents, endless determination, and immeasurable love, Blanche’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

“Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28