Jean Raden Epps

Jean was born in Rowan County on July 29, 1932, the daughter of the late Fowler Talmadge Raden and Ruth Lowder Raden.

Jean was known for her three passions- taking care of babies, gardening and genealogy.

Jean graduated nursing training at Rowan County School of nursing in 1954 and worked as a night nurse in the newborn nursery at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital from the mid 1950s to the mid 1980s, feeding and caring for almost all babies born in Cabarrus County during those years.

She was a prolific gardener; her yard bloomed with azaleas and flowers from spring until fall. She could be found in her yard moving dirt, planting flowers and pulling weeds four or more hours a day until she was 90. People passing by often stopped to compliment her, talk, take photos and exchange plants.

An avid genealogist, Jean could talk for hours on the names and history of local families from Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanley counties. She traveled the countryside visiting courthouses, libraries, cemeteries and homesteads for many years before technology made her research easier.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Percy V. Epps Jr. and a baby brother she never knew, Richard Glen Raden. She is survived by her three daughters and their families: Edith and Larry Blydenburgh of Weddington NC, Nancy and Charlie Kendall of Harrisburg, NC and Susan and Mike Faggart of Concord, NC.

Jean is survived by three grandchildren: Taylor Kendall, Emily Faggart, and Whitney Faggart Cope and her husband Dr. Robert Cope of Morganton NC. She is survived by two great-grandchildren, Winston and Alice Cope. Her beautiful, beloved granddaughter Amanda Kendall Barbee preceded her in death.

She is forever in our hearts.

A graveside service will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Carrie Bishop officiating.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Epps family.