Viola Epps

Viola spent her early years in Dickerson, Maryland where she attended church and received her primary education.

In her late teens, Viola moved to Washington, DC to seek employment. There she met and married the late William June Simmons. That union produced two daughters, Marsha Simmons Tibbs and Veronica Simmons Beebe.

In 1947 Viola moved to New York. Sometime afterwards she met and married the late William Daniel Epps, Sr. Three sons were born to that union: William Daniel Epps, Jr. (deceased), Roger Jerome Epps (deceased) and Steven Andrew Epps.

Viola worked at many entry level jobs but was always determined to improve her lot in life. Even with five children, she went back to school and successfully completed her GED courses. Never one to settle, she enrolled in New York City Community College. After obtaining her Associate’s Degree, she continued her studies at City College of New York where she received a BA in Elementary Education. Although she did not continue on, she did apply and was accepted into the Master’s program at City College.

Viola worked for the New York City Board of Education for more than 30 years making home visits to truant students, making referrals for special education programs, working the Hotline at the Office Pupil Transportation and working as guidance counselor.

She joined The First Reformed Church of Astoria in the 1950s and was Chair of the Christian Education Department and a member of the choir. She served for many years as a Deacon and Elder, as well as Vice President of the Consistory. She was still a member of the Church at the time of her death. Those who knew her well, knew that her greatest love was Vacation Bible School. She poured her heart, soul and finances into running a full day, two month program for the community for more than 15 years, charging only a nominal camp fee. Many funny stories can be told regarding Mrs. Epps and VBS, not to mention the bright orange shirts that were well known throughout the community. While on trips, Mrs. Epps was known to gather up any child in an orange shirt whether it was hers or not, only to find out the child did not belong to her camp. In June, 1998 a celebration was held acknowledging the many contributions she made to the life of the Church.

As the matriarch of the family, Viola Epps proudly boasted of being the head of five generations. She leaves to mourn two daughters, one son, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Also surviving her are two brothers, two sisters-in-law and many other relatives and friends who will miss her greatly.