Carolyn, Sophia, and Faith Raper

With hearts full of love and deepest sorrow, the family of Carolyn Ann Raper, age 76, of Lake City, Florida, together with her two precious adopted daughters, Sophia Irene Raper, age 7, and Faith Ann Raper, age 5, share the news of their passing into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Though their time on earth ended together, their light, love, and legacy will endure forever in the lives they touched. Carolyn, Sophia, and Faith Ann were devoted members of Live Oak First Assembly of God, where they worshipped faithfully. This was their home church—a place where they found joy, friendship, support, and spiritual growth. Surrounded by a loving church family, all three delighted in learning the Word, celebrating the goodness of God, and sharing His love with others. Born in Charleston, West Virginia and raised in Wellborn, Florida, Carolyn Ann Raper lived a life marked by compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She found her greatest joy in being a mother, raising her six children and step-children with tenderness, strength, and unwavering faith. Watching her family grow—generation after generation—filled her with immense pride. She loved painting, serving those less fortunate, and giving beyond measure. In her later years, her heart found new purpose and boundless joy in lovingly raising Sophia and Faith Ann, two little girls who completed her world. Sophia Irene, at just seven years old, radiated creativity, curiosity, and a gentle spirit. She loved learning, laughing, and being wrapped up in the warmth of her mother’s arms. Her bright imagination and compassionate heart made her a joy to all who knew her. Faith Ann, sweet and spirited at five, was known for her playful energy, big smiles, and the way she brought sunshine wherever she went. She adored her big sister, cherished her mother deeply, and filled every room with innocence and light. Both, Sophia and Faith Ann attended school at Pinemount Elementary School, Lake City, Fl. Together, Carolyn, Sophia, and Faith Ann created a home full of love—one built on faith, kindness, and the simple joys of being together. Their lives were intertwined in a beautiful bond that will forever be remembered and cherished. As they rest in the presence of their Savior, their family and community hold tightly to the promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Their legacy is not defined by the tragedy of their passing, but by the immense love, joy, and faith they brought into this world. May their lives continue to shine as a reminder of God’s grace, the power of family, and the beauty of a love that never ends. They are proceeded in death with Carolyn’s late husband Merril Raper, Carolyn’s mother, Dolly Scott, Carolyn’s brother, James Brazee, all of Lake City, Fl. They are survived by Carolyn’s children: Joseph Melinda Howell of Wellborn, Susan Jolley of Lake City, Tammy Bell of Wellborn, Donna and Billy Carter of Macclenny, Carol Ann and Mike Townsend of Live Oak, Lillie Raper Porter of O’Brien, Mary and Kevin Burton of Texas, Byrda and Antoin Mitchell of O’Brien; thirty six grandchildren, forty one great grandchildren and her sisters, Dorothy Holloway, West Virginia and Shirley Black, North Carolina. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Live Oak First Assembly of God 13793 76th Street, Live Oak, FL. 32060 with Pastor Mike Townsend, Pastor Brock Townsend, and Billy Carter officiating. Interment will follow the service at Live Oak First Assembly of God Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:00pm-8:00 pm at Guerry Forbes Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd., Lake City, FL. Guerry Forbes Funeral Home of Lake City is honored to serve the Raper family.