Julia Justus Lappin

August 9, 1927 - March 7, 2018
Julia Justus Lappin

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Julia Ella Justus Lappin, 90, died Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at home where her daughters were caring for her.
Born in Flat Rock, Julia was the daughter of the late Plato Harrison and Bertha Henderson Justus. She was also preceded in death by her husband, W. Dale Lappin, and brother, Harry Justus.
Julia graduated from Flat Rock High School, Central Wesleyan College, and Marion College with a degree in English.
After a brief sojourn in Colorado, Julia began her teaching career at Flat Rock High School in 1950 and continued at East Henderson High School for another 38 years. She taught advanced English classes, directed student dramas, advised the school staff, chaired the English Department, served as senior class advisor, and counseled many students who came to her with personal problems. Earning several NDEA fellowships, Julia completed graduate school courses at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University in order to enhance her teaching skills. In 2015, Julia was inducted into the Henderson County Education Hall of fame.
Julia inspired her students to love writing, to appreciate poetry and great literature, and to pursue higher education. Encouraging her students to write about personal experiences and memories developed their self-confidence. One of them, Robert Morgan, honored her by attributing his becoming a well-known author to her influence. When he told her in class that the only thing he knew to write about was his mountain upbringing, she encouraged him to do so. He later became famous for his novel Gap Creek based on the community he knew growing up.
An avid reader and skilled seamstress, Julia enjoyed traveling to Europe with Dale, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren.
A life-long student of the Scriptures and woman of strong faith, Julia taught the adult Sunday school class at Bethel Wesleyan Church for over 50 years. She also played the organ and piano. Her influence as a prayer warrior long after she retired from those duties will be sorely missed.
Julia is survived by her daughters, Heidi Lappin Upton and husband Nathan, of Flat Rock, and Jill Lappin Loggins and husband Dan, of High Point; grandchildren, Tyler Upton and wife Alex, of Brevard; Peter Upton and wife Amy Sue, of Chattanooga, TN; Sarah Upton of Travelers Rest, SC; Catherine “Katie” Upton of Sanford, FL; Daniel Loggins and wife Emily, of Battle Creek, MI; and Elijah Loggins of High Point, NC; great-granddaughters, Afton and Madeline Julia Upton, and a great-grandson who is expected in May; sisters-in-law, Carol Lappin Koons and her husband Dave, and Sarah Justus.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 12, 2018, at Bethel Wesleyan Church, the Reverend Tim Clark officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Bethel Family Life Center from 10:30-11:50 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hendersonville Rescue Mission www.hendersonvillerescuemission.com/donate.html, Bethel Wesleyan Church, or Second Presbyterian Church’s Widow’s Fund www.spcgreenville.org.


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  • September 16, 2022
    Kamilah Kitt says:
    It’s difficult to find educated people about this topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  • March 09, 2018
    Darlene McPeters says:
    Deepest Sympathy, Love, and Prayers

  • March 09, 2018
    Janice Ponder Guice says:
    Mrs. Lappin was so kind and so gentle whenever I visited in their home with my good friend Jill when we grew up together. I am so sorry for your family's loss. May you find great comfort in the memories of your mother! Praying for you!

  • March 10, 2018
    Sandra Camp lit a candle:
    Lit since March 10, 2018 at 3:24:39 AM

  • March 10, 2018
    Lynn Nix Frisbee says:
    Mrs. Lappin was my English teacher my freshman year at East Henderson. She was the bearer of the little blue box that held 2,000 words we would learn that year. She had so many ideas to help us learn the words and I can still picture her sitting in a chair in front of us as she helped us. It truly is because of her that I know those 2,000 words! Years later, I talked with her and her husband at some event or another and she actually remembered me. She was as kind and gracious then as she was so many years before. She was a huge influence on many, many people and I am sure her legacy will last for many years to come. My prayers are with her family and I am so sorry for the loss of Mrs. Lappin.