Julia Justus Lappin

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.