Janie Ashworth Epperson

Born on October 3, 1932 in Lunenburg County, Virginia, Janie or “Nanny” as she was known to many, was the daughter of Sam and Florence Ashworth. She grew up in Naruna, Virginia and graduated from Naruna (now William Campbell) High School in 1950.

After high school, Janie attended Phillips Business College in Lynchburg and graduated with certificates in stenography, typing and secretarial skills in 1951. She worked at Craddock-Terry Shoe Company and C.B. Fleet Company, Inc. where she retired in 1995. At C.B. Fleet, she started in the secretarial pool and rose over time to be the secretary and executive assistant to the President for many years. Her last position at C.B. Fleet was as manager of field sales support, where she managed bonuses, company cars, expenses and trade shows for the national sales force.

Janie was a Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and was extremely active in the leadership and education of the profession. She taught classes at the Lynchburg Campus of Central Virginia Community College and mentored many aspiring professionals who wanted to become a CPS.

Janie married James Epperson, whom she had known since childhood, in 1957. Their love and commitment to one another was a role model for many and their faith sustained them throughout their lives.

She was a lifelong devoted Christian and a longtime member of Campbell Avenue Baptist Church in Lynchburg. She was a member of the choir and served for many years as the Church Treasurer and on the Board. She greatly enjoyed organizing and participating in all forms of fellowship and worship at the church. She was a leader and matriarch for decades and helped shape many lives through her service.

Janie loved spending time with her family from her mother and in-laws, children, grandchildren, great children and cousins. Her house was the center of activity for generations of neighborhood kids – everyone loved coming to Nanny’s house to hang out, play, eat and just be with her. Many of these kids have since had their own kids who have themselves directly experienced her love and caring.

She enjoyed going to Myrtle Beach every year for decades. She loved to sit on the beach or by the pool and read books all day, and then go out at night to eat delicious fresh seafood. She also liked driving in the Smokies, bus trips with her sister to shop or attend gospel music shows and traveling to visit family.

Janie was an amazing woman. She was smart, hardworking, fun-loving, kind, patient, compassionate and a faithful support to her family and friends. She helped many people grow spiritually, emotionally and professionally.

Janie was predeceased by her husband of 63 years and love of her life, James L. Epperson and her siblings Sam Ashworth, Jr., Carlton Ashworth, Mary Louise Ashworth Haley and Rebecca “Becky” Ashworth. She is survived by her son, Ron Epperson and his wife Jennifer of San Marcos, TX, her daughter Lisa Paxton and her husband Steve of Lynchburg, five grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. The family would like to specially acknowledge her daughter Lisa Paxton and grandson Brandon Vest for providing devoted and loving care to her in her last years.

She is already missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Whitten Timberlake Chapel in Lynchburg Virginia on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 10 am. Pastor Caleb Couch and Pastor Ron Nickel will officiate the service and bring words of comfort for the family and friends. Janie will be laid to rest at Fort Hill Memorial Park in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Whitten Timberlake Chapel is assisting the family during this time.