HERMANVILLE — Thelma Chapman Barland, 97, of Hermanville, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 17, 2017.

Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. at Hermanville Baptist Church.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Herrin officiating.

Born Dec. 19, 1919, the only child of Ernest and Myrtle Chapman, Mrs. Barland lived most of her life in Hermanville. She graduated valedictorian from Hermanville High School and went on to receive her bachelor of science in education from Delta State Teacher’s College.

Following graduation, Mrs. Barland taught at Jett Vocational High School before going to work for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg. After marrying Silas Jones, who was in the U.S. Navy stationed in the state of Washington, she was transferred there and later to Oregon as a civilian worker for the Navy.

After World War II ended, they returned to Hermanville. Mrs. Barland worked as bookkeeper for Hood Lumber Company in Hermanville for 25 years before retiring.  During that time she married Harold Barland, who owned and operated Barland Brothers Plantation with his brother, Charles Barland.

Loving to travel, Mrs. Barland visited all 50 states and more than 40 foreign countries. She was very interested in genealogy and history, and was a member of the Pathfinder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as a regent.  She also belonged to the Huguenot Society, Magna Charta Dames, UDC, Americans of Royal Decent, Genealogy Society, and the First Families of Mississippi, being an eighth-generation Mississippian.

As a long-time member of Hermanville Baptist Church, Mrs. Barland served as church clerk for over 40 years.  She taught both adult and children’s Sunday school classes, led various Bible studies, and was church choir director for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Chapman and Myrtle Lord Chapman; and her husband, Harold Segrest Barland.

Survivors include daughter, Janet Salley and her husband, Doug Salley; grandsons Mike Salley and wife Lori, Steve Salley and wife Susan, and Greg Salley.  She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren:  Sarah, Katelin, Ellis, Katie and Silas.

Memorials may be made to the Hermanville Cemetery, 1178 Abby Road, Hermanville, MS  39086.