LaKenya Rapley Life Celebration Program

Prelude “Grateful” – By Hezekiah Walker Processional Clergy, Family & Friends Scripture Reading Renonda Rapley Old Testament New Testament Prayer Pastor Amos J. Porter Solo “God Has Smiled On Me” Sabrina

Reflections (Three Minutes Please) Memorial Video Presentation Eulogy Pastor Amos J. Porter Acknowledgments Willie A. Watkins Staff

Recessional

We thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday and days before that too.

We think of you in silence we often speak your name.

All we have now are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping we have you in our hearts.

A thousand times we’ve wanted you.

A thousand times we’ve cried.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly in death we love you still.

In our hearts you hold a place no one can ever fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone.

For a part of us went with you the day God took you home.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE

Flower Ladies Family and Friends

Pallbearers Family and Friends

Acknowledgements

The family of LaKenya Rapley would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many kind deeds, prayers, and support shown during our time of bereavement. May God continue to bless you is our prayer.

February 27, 1985—August 14, 2024

WILLIE A. WATKINS FUNERAL HOME Carrollton Chapel 602 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA 30117 770-836-0044 Darrell E. Watkins, Licensed Funeral Director

Saturday, August 31, 2024 | 12:00 noon St. Paul A.M.E. Church 1540 Pryor Road SW · Atlanta, Georgia 30314 Rev. Isaiah Waddy, Pastor Pastor Amos J. Porter, Eulogist

The K Effect, Design & Print (678) 732-5937

LaKenya Nyesha Rapley, 39, born on February 27, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, at Grady Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of Lisa M. Rapley and the late Johnny Boyd.

LaKenya, affectionately known as “Kenya,” “Ken,” or “Rap,” attended Atlanta Public Schools, including Margaret Fain Elementary, Bazoline E. Usher Middle, and Frederick Douglass High School, graduating with the Class of 2003. She went on to earn her associate's, bachelor’s, and later achieved her master’s degree.

LaKenya was a truly unique individual who graced us with her kindness and generosity in every way. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend, as well as a confidante to many. Her most cherished title, however, was “Auntie.” She embraced becoming an honorary aunt to many who were grateful to have her in their lives. She wore the title of Auntie proudly and was always supportive, no matter the distance.

LaKenya dedicated 14 years of her career to the Georgia Department of Transportation, where she supported transportation and railroad safety. Her most recent position was with WSP USA International, where she served as the Utilities Coordinator, acting as an embedded consultant with GDOT. While Kenya was recognized for her successful career, she also shared her creative spirit through Kenya’s Kraft’s, a collection of handcrafted candles that filled our homes with delightful scents and warmth.

Kenya was renowned for her affectionate, bright smile, pure heart, impressive intellect, and congenial personality. She deeply valued relationships of all kinds, whether they were with coworkers who became friends, childhood friends from the sandbox, or connections made through kickball games, 5K runs, and introductions by others. Kenya had a unique ability to genuinely connect with everyone she met.

Her love for friendships and partnerships was profound and deeply rooted. She valued all connections in this lifetime and was known for being more of a friend to others than they might have been able to be to her. Her ability add value to others’ lives, be of service, offer support, and inspire was profound. To know Kenya as a friend was to experience her incredible ability to adapt to any setting and make a meaningful impact.

On the evening of August 14, 2024, Lakenya’s life came to an unexpected and abrupt end, surrounded by her immediate family. She will be forever missed. LaKenya was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Boyd, and her baby brother, Jerome Caldwell Jr. Our beloved LaKenya leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Lisa Rapley-Payton (Shannon Payton); her paternal grandmother, Mattie Boyd; maternal grandparents, Linda Rapley (Jackie Poythress); uncle, Keith (Gia) Bryant; and sisters: LaChasity “Chat” Caldwell, Jennifer Mowen, Gabriel “Gabby” Caldwell, and Jerrica Gaines. She is also survived by her brothers: Jeremy Boyd, Jermaricus Boyd, and Jacques Gaines; four nieces: Mi'Keryah Swinney, Raniyah Caldwell, Kambri Sims, and Jodi-Marie Caldwell; one nephew, Montravius Swinney (all of Atlanta, Georgia); and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

LaKenya, may your true essence be cherished forever and always.