Rosemary Payne Rapp

Rosemary Payne Rapp entered eternal rest at her home on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the age of 85. She was a very Classy Lady with an infectious smile and quiet demeanor. She was born on January 30, 1941, to the union of the late Harry Payne, Sr., and Hannah Duplessis Payne in Braithwaite, LA., which she affectionately referred to as down home. She was a graduate of Phoenix High School Class of 1960 and a member of the Village de L’est Neighborhood Association for 40+ years. She retired from Charity Hospital after 30 years of service. Rosemary married the love of her life, Vernon Rapp, Sr., on September 2, 1961. Their love story spanned 64 years, and from their union was born one son, Vernon Rapp, Jr. She leaves to cherish her husband, Vernon, Sr., one son, Vernon, Jr., adopted daughter Nicole Wagner Banks, and devoted niece Lynette Rapp, four grandchildren, Vernon Rapp III (Kierra) and Natalie Rapp (Michael) of Colorado Springs, CO, Christoper Rapp and Jacorey Huggins of Shreveport, LA. 10 great-grandchildren: Christopher & Chloee Thomas, Vernon Rapp, Janiyah Huggins, Naomi Ferguson, Colton Rapp, Mailah Crenshaw, Khylan Rapp, Ryder Crenshaw, and Rose Connally. One brother, Arthur Payne, one aunt, Brenetta Young, Goddaughter, Barbara Ann Isidore, Godson, Charles Williamson, Brother in laws, Rev. Nathaniel Rapp, Sr. (Rose), Horatio (Marcia), Rev. Eddie Brown, III, Sis in Laws, Daisy, Ruby and Norma Lee Rapp, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry, Sr., and Hannah Payne; sisters Myrtle Williamson and Irene (Willie) Brock, brothers Lionel, Melvin, Thomas, Beauregard, Harry, Jr., and Ulysses (Verna Mae) Payne, brother in laws Herbert, Sr., Rev. Harold, Kermit (Theresa), Donald, Vivian Rapp Williams (Jimmy), Myrza Rapp Trench (Benjamin) & Iva Rapp Brown. Special thanks to Dr. Rene Louapre and Compassus Hospice for their care. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of Branch Bell Baptist Church, St Andrew Baptist Church, and neighboring churches are invited to attend the Homegoing Celebration at Branch Bell Baptist Church, 1231 St Maurice Avenue, New Orleans, LA., 70117, Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 am: Elder Kevin L. Williams, Sr. officiating. Visitation 9:00 am – 10:00 am. Interment: New Horizons Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Vacherie, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home – 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.