Charlestau Janet Epps

Charlestau Epps was born on July 25, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the fourth child of six born into the union of her late parents, John and Leona Crockett. She was affectionately known as Chalie, Janet but her grandchildren lovingly called her Mimi. In the early morning on October 25, 2025, the Lord called our beloved and beautiful Charlestau home. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter Leah, one brother, Clinton and her former husband, David. As the first-born daughter, she was cherished deeply by her three older brothers, a bond of protection and affection that endured throughout her life. When her younger sisters came along, she returned that same devotion, doting on them and making sure they always felt loved and cared for as only a loving big sister could. Her spiritual foundation began early at Leadenhall Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend John Perry. She attended church with her mother, siblings, and extended family. She loved Sunday school and sang in the youth choir. She was baptized by Reverend Davis at Leadenhall Baptist Church. Those early years shaped her love for worship, fellowship, and community. She took her household chores seriously. If she had just mopped and waxed, no one – absolutely no one– was allowed to step foot on those floors before they were dry. Her brothers and sisters knew the drill; they tried to stay put until she gave the all-clear. As adults her siblings never missed a chance to joke about her “no walking on the floor rule,” sharing stories with laughter and love about her determined and lively spirit. She was also a gifted seamstress, known for creating beautiful, custom-made outfits that family and friends admired. She was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and was a proud Frederick Douglass High School graduate. Athletic and full of energy, she swam on the school team where she was known as a strong and graceful swimmer. And it was there, in her senior year, that she met David Epps who would become the love of her life. In 1964, she married the love of her life, David, and together they built a home rooted in love, laughter, warmth and faith. Their lives were blessed with three children – David, Lisa, and Stephanie – who were the joy of her heart. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that could light up any room. Her daughters fondly remember watching in admiration as she applied her makeup, waiting for the moment when she would look into the mirror and share her famous “mirror smile.” Charlestau was kind and loving, but if you got her wrong, you better watch out for that left hand. She was incredibly athletic and loved being active; her children recall joyful days spent outside playing sports as a family, often challenging other neighborhood families to friendly games. Some days walking with her children, she would break out into a run challenging her kids to a race. She was fast!! She was also known for her warmth in the kitchen – her homemade flaky, buttery biscuits were unmatched, and her roast beef was nothing short of scrumptious. Cooking for her family was one of the many ways she expressed her love, and the smells and laughter around her table became part of the heart of her home. A gifted artist, she created beautiful pottery and ceramic pieces that adorned her home, each piece reflecting her creativity, patience and attention to detail. Her art brought beauty and character into her home. Her love extended far beyond her own children. Her nieces and nephews adored their Aunt Chalie and treasured the weekends spent at her house – a place of comfort, fun, and unconditional love. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord and carried a steady trust in God’s promises. She knew that every blessing, every trial, and every joy had purpose. She lived with compassion and patience – the fruits of her faith evident in how she cared for others. In her later years she joined the Maryland Church of God in Christ until her health prevented her from attending regularly. Though she will be deeply missed, we find peace in knowing that she is now at rest in the arms of her Savior. Her light, her laughter and her love remain with us, and we rejoice in the certainty that we will see her again. Charlestau leaves to cherish her memory: her son, David; two daughters, Lisa (Warren), Stephanie (Animashaun) of Baltimore, MD; five grandchildren, Tia, Sahara (Kenny), Breonna, Destiny and Amir; Five great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jayla, Victoria, Madison and Ashton; two great-great-grandchildren, Maaz and Nyuri; two brothers, Iszard and Ronald (Roberta); two sisters, DeBorah and Fernetta (Melvin). aunt, Ethel Ford; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and many devoted friends.

Tributes

Charlestau Janet Epps

July 25, 1944 - October 25, 2025