Barbara Leigh Tilson Rapier, 68, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2020, in Mobile, Alabama. Barbara was born to William L. Tilson and Ruby Bowers Tilson on March 18, 1951 in Mobile, and she remained a resident. She worked for the Marion Corporation, before running a residential painting company and starting her own pet grooming service. Barbara always had a love for animals, and it was completely reciprocated from any she came in contact with. She retired with the Social Security Hearings and Appeals, after working under several head judges. Barbara became a member of the Mount Vernon Historical Society, where she aggressively worked on restoring Searcy Hospital in Mount Vernon. If you gave Barbara a tool or a paint can, she could teach you how to use it! She was incredibly kind and generous, and will be greatly missed.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Jane Harkins.
She was survived by her husband, Rex Rapier III; daughter, Joanne (Shane) Lambert; granddaughter, Taylor Lambert; grandson, Jordan Lambert; nephews, Ryan (Chloe) Harkins and Matt (Shannon) Harkins and other cherished family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.
