Evelyn (Trapolino) Tapley

Born on April 22, 1939, in Houston, Texas, Evelyn was a woman of faith, strength, and grace. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. A trailblazer in her family, Evelyn was the first among her immediate relatives to graduate from college. She worked diligently at Uncle Ben’s Rice during the day while putting herself through school, ultimately earning a degree in English from University of Houston in 1966. Her dream had always been to become an English teacher, and she fulfilled that calling when she began teaching in the Fort Bend school district.

Evelyn’s journey led her to Memphis, Tennessee, where she moved with her beloved husband, Louis Trapolino. She continued teaching until the arrival of their children, at which point she shifted her focus entirely to her family. Her children remained her priority throughout her life. Through every move in their married life, Evelyn effortlessly turned each house into a warm and welcoming home. She formed lasting friendships wherever she went—most notably with the women of the Newcomers Club in Memphis, with whom she remained close for decades.

After the passing of Lou in 2002, Evelyn was blessed to find love again. In 2007, she married Bill Tapley, with whom she shared 18 joyful years filled with travel, gardening, fellowship, and faith. As her illness progressed, Bill remained faithfully by her side, visiting her daily during her time in memory care, bringing happiness to her final years.

Evelyn had a generous spirit and a heart for service. Throughout her life, she gave back to her community by volunteering with numerous charitable organizations. She was also deeply involved in her church.

Of all her life’s blessings, Evelyn counted her family as the greatest. She shared a deep bond with her sisters and treasured the many trips they took together with their husbands. Her love for her grandchildren—Noah, Emma, Joseph, Joshua, Sofia, Nathan, Samuel, and Lucca Trapolino—was boundless, and she delighted in every moment spent with them.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her first husband Lou Trapolino, her beloved sisters Wanda Hicks and Jimmie Kief, and her brother Bobby Cox. She is survived by her husband Bill Tapley; her daughter Jana Sweeny (Bruce); her son Kirby Trapolino and his children; her brother Larry Cox, her brothers-in-law Jim Hicks and Werner Kief; and beloved nephews and extended family members.

Evelyn's warmth, strength, and unwavering faith touched all who knew her. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her family and the countless lives she impacted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Peace Gospel International, a charitable organization founded and directed by her son, Kirby Trapolino, dedicated to rescuing and empowering children around the world.