Marvin Chatman Jr.

Obituary: Marvin Chatman, Jr. was born on February 2, 1939, in Cairo, GA to the parentage of the late Marvin Chatman, Sr., and late Sarah Sapp Chatman. Marvin was one of eight children Bobbie (deceased), Thomas, Christine, Barbara, Willadean, Emma Jean (deceased), and Ruth Ellen Coney-Robertson (deceased). Marvin grew up in Georgia for a few years, and then the family moved to Casa Lyon Farm in Florida. Marvin worked on the farm for many years with his mother, grandmother, and his siblings. Working was his ‘middle name’ as this was something he loved doing as well as taking care of his family. Marvin believed the scripture John 9:4 (work while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work). As a young man, cooking with his grandmother was Marvin’s favorite pastime. Creating special desserts such as chocolate cakes with different flavors. As years passed, at Christmas he baked his first rum cake, although the cake was beautiful, it was soaked with rum. When asked how much rum did, he use Marvin responded with jolly laughter “a whole fifth”. The family had great fun trying to eat that cake, but Marvin had more fun watching everyone’s reactions. Marvin was reared in a Christian home and the family attended church regularly. Marvin continued his Christian walk when he relocated to Miami, Florida. He was a member of Apostolic Church of Christ where he was ordained a minister. During this time, he met and married Bessie. This union was blessed with four children Marvin III, Ann, Debra, and Michael. Most of them are married and professional adults. On October 2, 1971, Marvin married Margaret Dennis of Omega, Georgia. This union was blessed with two sons (Keith Marcel Chatman and Kelly David Chatman). Marvin was also blessed with another son Dennis Calloway. Marvin was a graduate of Lindsey Hopkins. Marvin went on to earn an associate degree from Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC). He later earned a Bachelor of Science in social work from Florida International University (FIU). Marvin used his degree to earn gainful employment as a social worker at North Dade Center from September 25, 1985 until his demise. Marvin was blessed with ten grandchildren that he showered with love especially Bradley, Chloe, Zion, Marvin IV, Elijah, and Evan Chatman. Marvin was a baseball lover. He was self-taught. He taught himself all the rules of baseball, by listening to tapes. His students from the park always called him about baseball. They loved him. Names Marvin answered to were: Uncle Bubba, Coach Chatman, Uncle Marvin, Honey by Margaret, and Dad by his children. Fond memories of Marvin will forever be in the hearts of his loving wife of 49 years Margaret, children, daughter-in-law (Camille), grandchildren, sisters, brothers and a host of nieces and nephews and his extended family at North Dade Center.

Marvin Chatman Jr.

February 2, 1939 - January 10, 2021