Ednearl (Ms. Sally) Epps of Moss Point, MS, was born on September 1, 1936, to the late Wilson and Celestine Fagan. She passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 3913 Macphelah Road, Moss Point, Mississippi 39563. Pastor John Williams, Jr. Officiating. The viewing is from 10:00 until 10:45 am. The interment will be at First Baptist Cemetery in Escatawpa, MS.

Ms. Sally is preceded in death by her husband, Willie W. Epps, Jr., and her children, Clarence Anthony, Pamela Marie, and Norris Waddell. Her parents, Wilson and Celestine Fagan, and brothers Wilson, Jr., James Herman, Robert Lee, and Dennis Leon Fagan. Two sisters, Lottie Mae Chestang and Brunetta Gildersleeve.

She leaves to cherish two children, Lisa Rivers and Willie Epps, III. Two sisters, Annette Mitchell and Maggie Bardwell. Ten grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, dedicated nephews and niece, and her last surviving uncle, Ernest Watson.

Ms. Sally was married to Willie Epps for over 50 years. She was a cherished member of her community, known for her warm heart, kind spirit, and unwavering generosity. Her life was marked by a series of remarkable achievements and heartfelt connections.

She was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Moss Point, MS, an active member of the Pastor’s Aide, Star of the Gulf, Chapter No. 141, and a proud member of the Class of 1954 from Magnolia High School, where she loved to talk about being one of the best on her basketball team.

Ms. Sally broke barriers as one of the first Black women to work for Ingalls Shipbuilding in the Labor Department, a testament to her courage and dedication.

She is remembered fondly by all who knew her, especially for her laughter, jokes, and her stories of what used to be. Her legacy of love, compassion, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

To Ms. Sally’s numerous special friends, we give thanks for the Saturday rides, the many gifts, and the acts of love that were shown during her lifetime.

I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7