Sylvia Dianne Higginbotham Chapple

Dianne Chapple, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away March 26, 2025, at the age of 84. A resident of Baton Rouge for 56 years, Dianne was known for her outgoing personality and love for family, travel and all life had to offer. Dianne met her treasured husband, Albert Chapple, on the campus of the University of Georgia. Their first date was to a restaurant where they ordered fried egg sandwiches. The couple married Sept. 12, 1959, at the historic St Marys Methodist Church. They celebrated their 50th, 60th, and 65th anniversaries with family and friends. Dianne is survived by her husband Albert Rainwater Chapple; three children Chris (Laurie Genius) Chapple, Kim (Larry) Henney, Matthew (Michelle Smith) Chapple; nine grandchildren: Andrew (Whitney), Alexander (Elizabeth) and Caroline (Alex) Chapple, Nicholas (Emily), Daniel, David and Tiffany Henney, Madison and Mason Chapple; eight great grandchildren: Evelyn, Abram, Alister and Archer Chapple, Hazel and Ida Henney, James and Millie Chapple. (Daughter Kim Henney has since joined her mother in heaven, passing 10 days later on April 5, 2025).

Dianne exuberantly embraced her name grandma and attended school and sporting events when possible. Basketball was her favorite. She was the ultimate family cheerleader and oral historian. Al and Dianne loved to camp and cruise. She was very proud of earning the highest frequent cruiser rank of diamond on Carnival. In her fifties and sixties, Dianne made many friends on the square dance floor and at campgrounds. She loved sashaying in sparkly square dance dresses. Until recently, Friday nights were spent playing cards and board games with “the gang”, Don and Carol Baxter, Susan Bordelon and Marguerite Wilton. Although Dianne was often reminded it was her turn, she was often victorious. Born April 24, 1940, in St. Marys, Ga., Dianne is preceded by her parents Edith Hernandez Willingham and Fred Hoyt Higginbotham; infant daughter Karen Lynn; brothers Fred and Dennis. Dianne was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church.

The importance of Dianne’s faith was demonstrated by perfect attendance at Sunday School for fifteen straight years as a child and young adult in Georgia. She kept the streak going when the class was held at the hospital after giving birth to Chris. Dianne met Willie Nelson and former President Jimmy Carter and of course asked for photos. Dianne loved music and one of her highlights was seeing Elvis twice in concert. Dianne braved horrible weather and splintery bleachers to support her children, grandchildren and their friends at sporting events. To be closer to her Henney grandchildren in Granbury, TX, they owned a lake house where they loved to entertain the family and fish. Dianne shared a passion for Georgia football with Al. She watched from home as Georgia won NCAA football titles in 2021 and 2022. She was a 1958 graduate of Camden County High School with one year at University of Georgia before marriage. Al had graduated high school at 16 and was a college senior (chemistry graduate) when they met. As a teenager, she worked for her grandparents at Hernandez Grocery and was a lifeguard. Later she worked with Al in their rental property business. Dianne’s affable personality shone as she managed residents, while Al performed maintenance and kept the books.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. Visitation is 9-11 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. and reception to follow at church. Rev. Donnie Wilkinson will preside. One member from each of the family units of the adult children will give eulogies. Andrew Chapple, Daniel Henney and Madison Chapple will honor their grandmother. Grandson Nicholas Henney and Evelyn Chapple, the first great grandchild, will read bible verses. Amazing Grace, one of Dianne's favorite songs, will be one of the hymns.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, or Broadmoor United Methodist Church.