Carrie Mae Eppard

Carrie Mae was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was rooted in love, faith, and kindness. She shared 71 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Samuel William Eppard.

She is survived by her husband, Samuel William Eppard; her sons, Mike Eppard (Anita) and Larran Eppard (Ann); her sister, Brenda Dinges; and her grandchildren, Matthew Eppard (Meagan), Chris

Eppard (Tasha), and Rebecca Eppard White (Todd). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Kaleigh White, Damien Joyner, Ava Eppard, Kaden White, Owen Eppard, Lylah Eppard, Alyssa Eppard, and Summer VanAlstine.

Carrie Mae had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. She never met a stranger and was known for her kindness, warm hugs, and easy conversation. She often shared her love through baking, especially her well-known cookies and cakes. She dedicated 20 years to Busch Gardens, where her bright smile touched many, and was a faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Ray Burns and Stella Grace Waybright; her sisters, Josephine Fitzgerald, Mary Simmons, Nancy Furr, Judy Tomlin, and Bonnie Burnette; and her

granddaughter, Laura Eppard VanAlstine.

A committal service will be held on May 6, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to organizations supporting dementia awareness.

Carrie will be remembered for her kind spirit, enduring faith, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.