Lila Copeland Rapp

1939 - 2011

Lila Rapp, beloved wife of Thomas E. Rapp, M.D., died peacefully at a local hospital on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, following a stroke. Service: Services celebrating her life glorifying Jesus will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3740 Birchman Ave. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please give to Kanakuk Ministries, Inc., 1353 Lake Shore Drive, Branson, Mo. 65616; Christ Chapel Bible Church; or Young Life Fort Worth, 817-732-2250, 5801 Curzon Ave., #105 Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Lila was born on Sept. 15, 1939, in Griffin, Ga., to Dr. H.J. and Emory Copeland. Growing up in Griffin, the Copelands were faithful members of the First Baptist Church. Lila graduated from Baylor University in 1961, where she met her husband, Tommy. After graduation, they married in Griffin and moved to Galveston where Tommy attended medical school and Lila taught elementary School. After brief stints in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Griffin and Galveston, they eventually made Fort Worth their home in 1971. Lila loved Christ Chapel and had a passion for children. She was a loving, caring mother as well as a loving, devoted wife to her husband of nearly 50 years. She was lovingly known as "Mimi" to her grandchildren. Throughout her life, Lila continued to love and care for children as a Sunday School teacher and supporter of Kanakuk and Young Life Ministries. She was also very active in Bible Study Fellowship, where she was a leader for almost 20 years. Lila lived a life characterized by a single-minded pursuit of her Savior. No matter what her journey, whether on a short trip or for her journey through life, Lila rested in the promise of Isaiah 52:12, knowing that her Lord would go before her and be her rear guard. She was known as a prayer warrior, spending countless hours each day reading Scripture and fervently praying for her family, friends, and others in need. Her selflessness was her defining quality, constantly praying for and serving others in the name of Christ. Not only was she a mighty intercessor for her loved ones, but she was also unusually thoughtful. For example, she was diligent at remembering birthdays, blessing most with a quick serenade over the phone with her sweet southern drawl. Unashamed and boisterous in her rendition of "Happy Birthday," she brought a smile to everyone's faces as others would gather around to hear a voice bathed in the zealous and unconditional love that flowed from her most cherished relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And, if one knew Lila but didn't know her greatest love, that person would certainly hear the Good News from her and be relentlessly prayed for by Lila and her friends. Survivors: Lila Copeland Rapp is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Tommy; by their children and their spouses, Lauri and Mark Moore of Fort Worth, Todd and Bronwyn Rapp of Branson, Mo., and David and Nikki Rapp of Fort Worth; by her brother and his wife, Henry and Lolly Copeland of Montreat, N.C.; grandchildren include, Elizabeth and Sarah Moore, Hunter, Connor, Carter, Colton and Collins Rapp, and Dalton and Emory Rapp.