Dates
Our mom, Brenda Joyce Mikeska Chapman, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on September 4, 2026. She was born in San Angelo, Texas, on November 6, 1940, to Bohus Jan (BJ) Mikeska and Joyce Louise Jackson Mikeska. She grew up in Eola, Texas, where her roots, her family, and her love of West Texas would remain a part of who she was throughout her life.
From an early age, Mom was smart, determined, and independent. She graduated from the University of Texas. Later in life she attended Angelo State University and obtained a second degree in Special Education. She taught many different subjects to all ages of children. Mom loved her students and thought of them often.
In August of 1963, she met our dad, Thomas Alexander Chapman and after only three months of dating, they married and spent nearly 63 years together building a life filled with family, friendships and love.
Their early married years were full of activity. Mom and Dad went dancing on Friday nights and were members of a bowling league. They were involved in the Midland Jaycees where Mom served as President of the Jaycee-etts. They were young, busy, involved, and already building the friendships that would follow them throughout their lives.
In 1967 Kimberly Joyce arrived and the family moved to San Marcos, where Dad attended college and Mom continued teaching. In 1970, Kerri Jean was born making their family complete.
Three years later, Mom followed Dad to the tiny town of Wingate, Texas, where he began learning the cotton ginning business from her oldest brother. In September 1976, they moved to Wall, Texas, where Dad was given the opportunity to operate a cotton delinting plant and eventually owned and operated Westside Gin. Wall is where they raised their two girls and built a life surrounded by family, friends, and a community they came to love.
In 1996, Mom retired from teaching and they moved to San Angelo. Retirement simply gave her more time to do the things she loved. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and First United Methodist Church and continued to give her time and heart to others.
Mom was a teacher by profession, but some of her most important lessons happened at home.
She taught her daughters to believe in themselves and to stand up for those who were less fortunate. She taught us to be strong, to care about other people, and to never be afraid to speak up when something wasn’t right. Those lessons became part of who we are and are among the greatest gifts she ever gave us.
Mom was also our biggest fan.
She attended countless ball games, tennis matches, piano recitals, school functions, golf tournaments, orchestra and band concerts, swim meets, and graduations. She followed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren everywhere they went. If someone she loved was participating, Mom wanted to be there. She didn’t just attend—she watched, she cheered, she encouraged, and she was so, so proud.
Mom knew how to enjoy life.
There were lots of family vacations, ginner’s conventions, volleyball Sundays, shopping with her girls, weekends at Brady Lake, ski trips, yearly cousin reunions, and summers in Ruidoso. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her friends and family.
Playing bridge was her true passion. She became a two-time Life Member of Duplicate Bridge and treasured the friendships she made through the game. Friday evenings at Jalapeno Locos were special – not only because of the delicious street tacos and margaritas but more importantly because of the people sitting around the table.
She and Dad traveled many miles with close friends to watch the Wall Hawks play basketball. Always bringing sandwiches and cold drinks to share. Through nearly 63 years of marriage, they shared not only a family, but a lifetime of adventures, laughter, work, friendships, and memories.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law Jimmy Chapman and Tommy Singleton.
She is survived by her husband, Tommy; her daughters, Kim Meeks and husband John, and Kerri Sonnenberg and husband Clifton; her brothers, Brent Mikeska and wife Scarlotte, and Bill Mikeska and wife Candy; sister-in-law Diane Chapman and her very special sister-in-law Lucy Singleton who she considered a best friend. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She thoroughly enjoyed staying in touch with them and their families.
She was a proud grandmother to Christopher Mathis; Ryan Mathis and wife Tory; Johnathan Taylor; Chad Meeks and wife Lindsey; and Colby Meeks and wife Kaylie.
Her nine great-grandchildren—Alyssa, Madyson, Michael, Makayla, Kaylee, Paisley, Evelyn, Everett, and Campbell—brought another whole generation of love and joy to her life.
She showed up for the big moments and the little ones. She showed up because she loved us, and because being there for the people she loved was never a burden—it was where she wanted to be.
When we think of Mom, we won’t think only of her final days. We will remember her laugh, her strength, her determination, her friendships, her love of adventure, and the incredible pride she had in her family.
She taught us to love our family, cherish our friends, give back to our community, and enjoy the journey.
Mom, you showed up for us your whole life.
Now we will carry you with us.
We will carry you in every family gathering, every trip, every game, every concert, every graduation, every wedding, every dance, every laugh, and every story we tell.
We love you, Mom. We always will.
Services will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Saturday, September 12 the at 10:00 AM with a lunch reception to follow.
A special thanks to her wonderful caregivers Marisa and Codi. We will never forget the compassion and kindness you showed our mother. Also, thank you to the staff at Concho Hearts Hospice. You are angels on Earth and we will be eternally grateful.