Visitation
Jerlene Williams Epley, 91, of Morganton, NC made her heavenly journey Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Born in Burke County, NC on May 20, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Frances Adelaide Carswell Williams and Horace Richard Williams.
Jerlene was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. She was committed to working and volunteering in her church and enjoyed giving to others. She loved her family and friends, and she enjoyed working with her flowers.
Jerlene is survived by her son, Randle Lee Epley (Cindy); daughter, Debra Frances Epley (Eddie); grandchildren, Katie Epley Trexler (Josh), Rebecca Paige Epley, and Ethan James Shelton; great-grandchildren, June Elizabeth Trexler and Abigail Kate Trexler; a very special sister-in-law, Aramenta Williams; and niece, Pam Williams Causby.
In addition to her parents, Jerlene was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Harold Taylor Epley; and four brothers, Ben Lenoir Williams, Kenneth Lee Williams, Bruce Allen Williams, and Max Edward Williams.
A celebration of Jerlene’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Dr. Danny Emory officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall following the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1112 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Jerlene Williams Epley.
There is an empty spot in my heart and in Burke County now that my Aunt Jerlene no longer walks among us. I always loved having her and my Uncle Harold come visit when I was growing up. We loved the way they could tell a story... they could turn an ordinary event into joyously funny one. My husband and I retired back to Burke County in large part to be within driving range of her Sunday dinners. My son, Jonathan Lanier, who also had a taste of her Sunday dinners, wrote the following to me about her and he said it well: "I’m so sad and sorry to hear of Jerlene’s passing.....She was one of those people who filled a room all by themselves. I adored her sense of humor and lighthearted personality. And she was as strong as she was sassy, she was such a force for her family. I’ll truly miss her. The world is a better place for having had her in it."
Randy and Debbie . Jerlene was a very special person. She played a role in my growing up years. I loved your Mom. So sorry for you lose. We will see her again one day. Just think your Mom and my Mom are walking the paths of heaven together !
Jerlene will always be remembered here at College Pines.She was a joy to be around.She had a wonderful spirt.She was always joking and happy.She will definitely be missed.It was a blessing to get to have known her the little time I did.
Such a precious being that can always make me laugh!!
So fortunate to meet Jerlene she made my workday special.It was such a gift God gave me to have her in my life.We will all miss her greatly at College Pines . My prayers are with her family and friends.
Loved Jerlene she was a sweet lady she loved to joke and pick it was a pleasure providing care for her many prayers and to her family
Jeraline touched all of us at College Pines! She was such a special lady. She will be missed terribly and remembered always!
Going to miss her at College Pines. Debbie take care of yourself enjoyed getting to know you and the family.
Very sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We sure will miss this sweet lady who would do anything for anyone. Holidays will not be the same. Prayers for all those who love her and especially for her close family members. Aunt Jerlene, bless you and Heavenly rest always. 💕❤️