She was born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, daughter of Horace and Helen Middlebrook, and grew up in Hiawatha, Kansas. She leaves behind her son Bill and her daughter Kathy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Papa.
Elizabeth had the wisdom of a sage, the spirit of an adventurer, the heart of a lion, and an unwavering commitment to the Lord to serve Him in all that she did. She was a prayer warrior who enjoyed and nourished her personal relationship with Jesus Christ through numerous bible studies, retreats, and prayer groups. She served as a volunteer for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, and the Gideons. Most notable was her volunteer work at Alps Road Elementary School Library. Serving in that role for over forty years, she cherished the fulfillment she experienced in mentoring children and encouraging them to develop the joy and empowerment of reading. Her creativity sparked many an imagination. She was also a wonderful mother who delighted in her children, their friends, and countless others in the Athens community.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alps Road School Library Fund online or by mail. Checks can be mailed to the Athens Area Community Foundation, PO Box 1543, Athens, GA 30603. Online donations can be made directly to the fund at https://athensareacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3112
A graveside service for family and friends to celebrate her life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens GA on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10:00 am with Reverend Michael Day officiating.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
