Lila Mcgehee Wrape Saunders

October 29, 1936 – February 10, 2023 Lila Wrape Saunders died peacefully at home with her family on February 10, 2023. She was a lifelong Memphian, born at Baptist Hospital in 1936. She and her sisters, Posey, and Lucia, were raised at Gregnon Farms near Collierville, where she became an accomplished equestrian. Though she never moved from Memphis, she was truly a student of the world.

Lila spent a good bit of her formative years abroad, making enduring friendships and earning a master’s degree in International Studies. Her spirit of adventure and curiosity endeared her to many. Lila was a woman with a large, diverse group of friends that she collected through the seasons of her full life, and she delighted in connecting them with each other.

She thrived around her dining room table, engrossed in genuine conversation. An invitation to her dinner parties would, without fail, include some political debate, cultural discussion, exquisite food, and laughter. She was an expert at mincing garlic, but she rarely minced words. Her kitchen was the most used room in her beautiful home and to know Lila was to be fed by her.

Though she was raised as a debutante, Lila grew to be a successful businesswoman. She was a hardworking, highly respected realtor who found particular joy in helping first-time homebuyers. Even in her eighties, Lila was perpetually “retiring”, closing her last transaction just a few months ago. As her professional life slowed, she learned to love spending time in her garden. You could find Lila every Saturday morning at the farmer’s market. Lila loved beauty in all its forms and was an enthusiastic patron of the arts.

Lila was known for her beauty, charm, strength, passion, and fierce independence. Her energy was seemingly boundless. She hosted her annual Christmas Eve party with gusto just one month before her death. Perhaps most importantly though, Lila was a generous woman. She was generous with her time, her money, her influence, and her bright attention. She was truly a beacon of hospitality and assistance to family and friends alike.

Of her many roles, Lila shone brightest as matriarch of her large and beloved family. She cherished her heritage and defined the word “family” broadly. She raised three children, Lucia, Jake and Posey, and was Yaya to ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren, so far. For each of these Lila was a champion, supporter, and advocate.

In the words of a friend, “Lila was someone you hoped would live forever”. She is, and will be, remembered, beloved and missed greatly.

Memorial services will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church on February 24 at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow at the church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers the following charities be considered:

•Church Health Center - https://churchhealth.org/give/donate/

•New Ballet Ensemble - https://newballet.org/donate/