Mariam Raper

Mariam Bunch Raper PORTSMOUTH - Mariam Bunch Raper, 86, of Melvin Drive, died June 22, 2009, in Portsmouth. Mrs. Raper, a native of Elizabeth City, N.C., was the daughter of W. H. Bunch and Susan Elizabeth Trueblood Bunch and the widow of Fred Raper. She was a homemaker and a member of Cottage Place United Methodist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Susan R. Kelly and husband Jerry of Elizabeth City and Frieda R. Lutz and husband Beverly of Portsmouth; two sisters, Ethel Holmes of Elizabeth City and Iris Henderson of Hartselle, Ala.; two grandchildren, Casey Kelly and Beau Kelly. She was predeceased by five brothers, Graham Bunch, Shelton Bunch, Herman Bunch, Melvin Bunch, and Winfred Bunch. A funeral will be Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Cottage Place UMC with the Rev. Lynne Hundley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church immediately after the service. A graveside service will be in New Hollywood Cemetery, Elizabeth City, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cottage Place UMC, 442 Jamestown Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 E. Church St., Elizabeth City, is in charge of arrangements. You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.