William A. Epps

William Addren Epps, the eldest often children, was born to Lazarus James and Helen Stokes Epps on October 29, 1917 in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He crossed-over into the glorious realm of the Father on June 23, 2007.At a young age, Willie was baptized at Levi Baptist Church in Green Bay, Virginia and accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He received his education in the Prince Edward County public school system. His education was interrupted early at the age of sixteen when the family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland and he was left, along with his brother LD, to care for the family’s home and possessions. Willie handled the situation very well and it became a prelude to what would befall him when he entered the workforce outside of the home. During this time, he acquired the title ‘Big Bro’ from younger sisters and brothers. He was called this name of admiration and respect to this very day.When he later joined his family in Baltimore, he gained employment at Sparrows Point as on Oiler on the Patapsco and Back River Railroad. Initially, he worked along side his father. After decades of work with the railroad, he retired in the 1970s.Willie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He often returned to Virginia to hunt with his siblings. His specialty was small game, such as rabbit, squirrel, raccoons and possums. He loved to go gigging at night for fish and eels when in Virginia and fished the Severn River at night when at home in Maryland. Later in life, he enjoyed playing cards with his siblings. Big Bro made friends easily and was known to wear a special smile whenever you met him. Since Bo Diddley was his favorite singer, he was also given the nick name ‘Bo Diddley’ He was a fun-loving person by all who knew him. When traveling, his Buick was his favorite mode of transportation. Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of fifty years, Sarah Epps; six daughters, Joann Smith, Sandra Fuller, Joyce Holloway, Linda Epps, Paulette Epps and Wanda Epps-Dunham; god-daughter, Bernice Jennings; stepson preceded him in death, Wilbert Watson. He also leaves: his siblings, Mary L. White of Brookline, MA, Harriet E. Ijames, Alma D. Dargan, Helen M. Owens, Shirley I. Branch and Harry E. Epps all of Baltimore, Maryland, and James A. Epps (Elizabeth) of Keysville, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Harry, Eugenia, Beverly Ann, Sterling, Juanita, Antoine, Arron and Wynter; two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

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William A. Epps

October 29, 1917 - June 23, 2007