Okemia L. Epps

In Baltimore, Maryland, on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1970, God blessed the union of Gregory and Patsy Epps with the birth of a bouncing and delightful baby girl, OKEMIA LASTECIA EPPS; a very precious gift, a rare jewel, a bright and shinny star, a beautiful flower. Suddenly and without one goodbye, Okemia departed this life during the early hours on December 2, 2012, in Baltimore. Okemia and her sister, Nichelle were raised together in nurtring Christian Home, surounded by love, support and guidance from their parents. She was taught positive values, manners and morals at a very young age. Her large extended of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins reinforced all of the teachings of her parents and provided her with additional love, guidance and support duringher developmental years throughout adulthood. She learned early in life that in every situation to always do what is right and to treat others in the manner you wish to be teated. It was not long before it was recognized that Okemia was, indeed, a “very special peson “. It was during those formative years that a relative gave her the nickname “Mommie” and it was not long before everyone began calling Okemia “Mommie”. As a child and adolescent, Mommie attended the Saint Paul Baptist Church. She later joined and was baptized by the late Dr. George A. Crawley, Jr., and became an active member. She participated in the Youth Department, Sunday School and Vacational Bible School. She delighted in being a member of the Church's Girl Scout Troop and developed a lifetime bond with the troop leader, the late Sister Helen Woods. Needless to say, Okemia got away with what others could not, “she was special”. Mommie attended Baltimore City Public School; Cecil Elementary, Hamilton Middle and Eastern High Schools. Upon graduated, she erolled in a health care training program and earned her certification, Mommie worked for a number years at various health care facilities in the area. In 2011, she landed the job of her dreams, she became a driver with Veolia Transportation (MTA). She often exclaimed to her sister and others “I love my job” She enjoyed her work and looked forward to going each day. As a young Mom, Mommie worked hard to provided for herself and for her daughter, Meishon, and yes, sometimes there were struggles along the way, but Mommie preserved through the difficult times. She realized that all of her good days outweighted the bad days and she would not complain. Mommie also knew that she could depend on the close knit Williams and Epps families for assistance in every situation and they knew that Mommie reciprocated, if there was anything she could do for others. It was done, when Mommies had everyone had, she would share her last . You see Mommie had a huge giving heart a servant's heart forever concerned about the welfare of others. Mommie loved life and she loved people. Always encouraging others to reach their fullest potential. She wanted everyone to live the best life possible. She was people” full of joy and infectious happiness, she was “special” When Mommie entered a room, the room belonged to her. Her radiance, her captivating presence, her joy, her laughter, her goodness and her light so shone that it illuminated the room and everyone in it Nothing or no could ever take that away from her Again, just 'special” She was family peace keeper. The close knit first cousins who grew up as sisters and brothers often told Mommie not to tell when up to youthful pranks explorations. Mommie could not keep the secret. When pressed by her mother, aunts and /or Grandparents, honest Mommie told the truth, even when implicating herself. On ocassion, she was jokingly called “:the tattle -tale”. Mommie loved to entertain to cook and to decorate. She was excellent dancer and she absolutely loved the King of Pop – Michael Jackson. She was known for the weekend cookouts, family get- togethers and her annual “all -white” party to celebrate her birthday. Interior design was a favorite hobby and herhome, the exterior and interior, was decorated for every holiday and occasion, Her vintage movies. Mommie was die-hard Raven's fan. A perfect evening for Mommie would be a fantastic dinner and watching a great movie a great movie with family and friends or even alone. She really being comfortable at home, she was content in every situation. Mommie was “special”. And so our flower has faded, the jewel no longer shines, the laughter is now an echo and the flame, not even an ember, all gone much to soon; as it is in all things. For as it is written in the Scriptures “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever. (Isaiah 40:7-8 KJV). And so we take comfort in God's Word and stand on his promises. “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in thebody, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (Corinthians 5:6-8 KJV) Okemia is now absent from her body and she is present with Lord. We also confident thatthrough our belief, our faith and obedience we will see “Mommie” again. Until then, we will forever, forever, and forever bask in her afterglow, holding fast and cherishing the dear and precious memories. Okemia “Mommie” Lastecia Epps, Oh so “special” in our hearts and minds. Okemia leaves to mourn their loss, her devoted daughte, Meishon Latriese Moore; lovingparents, Patsy and Gregory Epps; sister, Nichelle Shakira Epps; grandmothers, Alverta, Williams and Delores Epps God -children, Donald Jackson, Allen Johnson and Shakia Brown; dear friend, William Cunningham and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends, all of Baltimore, Grandfathers Charles S. Williams and Malikiah Epps preceded her in death. Lovingly Submitted;The Family

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Okemia L. Epps

March 29, 1970 - December 2, 2012