MAGGIE BUNCH EPPS

"Granny Went Fishing"

"The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away." Psalm 90:10 ESV

Mrs. Maggie Bunch Epps, 93, affectionally known as "moma, granny, and Ms. Maggie" was born on April 24, 1928 in Mecklenburg County to the union of the late Richard Bunch and Ida Bunch Smith." She was the 12th child of this union and was proceeded in death by her parents, all 11 siblings, husband of 28 years (Lucius Epps), son by marriage - Lovette Epps, Sr., and grandson, Tevonte' LaQuan Epps.

She was the matriarch of the family and well respected. We thank God for the time he afforded us with our mother, granny and friend. We are truly grateful for his mercy in not allowing her to linger but to allow her to begin transitioning peacefully in her own home on Saturday, October 30th. "To God Be Praised."

At an early age, Maggie accepted Christ and became a lifelong member of the O'Zion AME Zion Church.

She was one of the oldest members of the church. While her health permitted she served faithfully in the following capacities: original member of the O'Zion Gospel Choir, member of the O'Zion Usher Board, O'Zion Mass Choir, WHOMS Parent Body Department, WHOMS Life Members Council as well as the O'Zion Culinary Committee. She loved her church and always wanted to be a part of the "move of the spirit," and the fellowship.

Moma was determined, outspoken and independent. She often shared stories of her early years of picking cotton on the Choates Farm, milking cows, churning butter, making lye soap, standing by the wood stove to keep warm, and having to walk to church. The challenges of her life only made her stronger. To those who knew her, she was funny, loved life and lived life to the fullest. She never met a stranger and made sure their meeting would be remembered.

Ms. Maggie attended the Plato Price High School and graduated from the 11th grade (the highest grade available at the time). In the Reid Park Community, she served as a charter member of the Reid Park Association working to better the community.

Moma worked for Tanners Restaurant (we could smell the aroma of the food on her clothes and looked forward to eating the hot dogs, hamburgers and pink punch that she would bring home). She also worked for Pharr Yarns as a winder and in the households of the Flowe and William Allen families domestically (we sometimes wondered if she worked for her employers or if they worked for her).

Her hobbies included: traveling, solving seek & find puzzles, driving her Mitisubhi Montero Sport too fast, sitting on her front porch while talking to anybody who came by, and dancing. One of her favorite songs was "You Are My Shining Star" but her favorite hobby, regardless of the weather was fishing. All of her children learned how to hold a pole or cast a rod. This was how our free time was spent. She would always say, "If you don't catch a fish you gonna have to walk home." (So you know we all caught a fish!)

We miss her so much already but we realize that God makes no mistakes. Those left to cherish her precious memories: three daughters, Gloria J. Epps, Barbara J. Epps of Charlotte, NC, Candie A. Epps (Trotti) of Gastonia, NC, son, Tarin Lucius Epps (Javata) of Liberty, NC, grandchildren - Wykeshia Dye, William Dye, Jr.(Tranisha) of Charlotte, NC, Tenaya Simmons of (Gastonia, NC), Deborah Epps Byers (Samuel) of Marshville, NC, Lovette Epps, Jr. Charlotte, NC, Kenyon Withers (Liberty, NC) Kevin Epps, (Orlando Florida), Dwayne Epps (Camden, NJ), 18 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren. A host of nieces, great nieces, nephews , great nephews, cousins, and extended family,

To her special friend (Tevonte, Jr.-AKA Scoot ) who checked on his granny every morning and shared his food with her (whether it was something she needed or not). To this day, he still goes into her room and says "Granny, Where Granny." Our response is "Granny's gone baby." We'll teach him that "Granny Went Fishing ," and as she sat on the banks of the river, she landed the biggest catch she could ever imagine. She caught the hand of Jesus and went on to be with the Lord to receive eternal life!