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Obituary For Agnes Epps
God blessed the world with the life of Agnes Marie Jones Yarbrough Epps, a woman whose faith, compassion, and quiet strength touched the lives of many. Through her devotion to God, her family, and her calling to care for others, she lived a life marked by service, perseverance, and grace.
Agnes Marie Jones Yarbrough Epps was born on October 31, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Reverend Paul Henry Jones and Marie L. Jones. She was the first daughter born, and grew up in a large and loving family of eleven siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Reverend Charles C. Epps, Jr.; her children, Clarence Kelvin Yarbrough, Kerry Jerome Yarbrough, Kenneth Wayne Yarbrough, and Kiva Lynne Yarbrough Greenwade; one sister, Rosemary Hughes; and five brothers, George A. Jones, Herbert E. Jones, Reverend William F. Jones, Reverend Dr. Jerry J. Jones, Sr., and Reverend Paul H. Jones, Jr.
Mrs. Epps accepted Christ at the age of twelve at Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend O.C. Collins, Sr. In 1973, she united with Avery Chapel A.M.E. Church under the pastorate of Reverend Miller Peace, where she faithfully served alongside her husband, Reverend Charles Epps, Jr. When her husband became Pastor of New Prospect A.M.E. Church and Jones Chapel A.M.E. Church, she was a devoted First Lady and church member who served in numerous ministries, including the choir, Sunday School, missionary work, and as a church steward. Her dedication to the church was widely recognized and deeply appreciated by those who served alongside her.
Following the passing of her husband, Mrs. Epps returned to Avery Chapel and later united with Mt. Moriah-East Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Melvin Charles Smith. There she remained active in the Mothers and Missionary Society and the Health Ministry, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving both God and her community.
Mrs. Epps also dedicated her life to caring for others through a distinguished career in nursing that spanned more than five decades. After graduating from Melrose High School, she attended the Memphis Vocational School of Nursing and began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at John Gaston Hospital, now the Regional Medical Center. She later joined Baptist Memorial Hospital, where her dedication and leadership quickly distinguished her among her peers.
While working full-time and raising five children, Mrs. Epps returned to school and earned her Registered Nurse degree in 1986. She continued her career at Baptist Memorial Hospital for more than twenty-five years, serving in several leadership roles, including supervisor in urology and nephrology and as a certified Diabetes Educator. Her peers respected her greatly, electing her to serve as a chairperson of the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation Employee Council and as a member of the hospital’s retention and recruitment committee.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Epps received numerous honors recognizing her excellence and dedication to nursing. She was named among the Top 100 Nurses at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Shelby and Fayette Counties and was selected as one of the “Excellent Eleven.” After more than fifty years of service in healthcare, she retired in 2001.
Mrs. Epps will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and the compassion she extended to all who knew her. Whether through her work in the church, her dedication to her profession, or the love she shared with her family, she leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and service.
Mrs. Agnes M. Epps leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Allen K. Yarbrough, Sr. (Pebbles Cook) and Ms. Jacquita Y. Campbell, both of Memphis, Tennessee; one brother, David Jones; and three sisters, Barbara Perkins, Carole Thornton (Sylvester Thornton), and Beverly Fitzpatrick, all of Memphis, Tennessee.
She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Kevin P. Mitchell, Nicole Devres, Peter Greenwade, Andrew Campbell, Derek Campbell, Curtis Lyons, Jr., and Allen K. Yarbrough, Jr., along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Although Mrs. Epps’s earthly assignment has ended, the compassion, faith, and quiet strength that defined her life will continue to shine through the many lives she touched. Her legacy of service – to God, to her family, and to the countless patients she cared for throughout her career – will remain a lasting testament to a life well lived.
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Add A CondolenceA truly phenomenal lady and a great nurse ❤️ will miss you...
Agnes was a special classy Lady who will truly be missed. Condolences to the family 🙏🏽💕
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
