VERA LEE WILLIAMS

Vera Lee Epps, affectionately known as "Bibbie", was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, on July 5, 1937.
She was the sixth of nine children, born to Thad Joseph and Cecile Evelyn Epps. When Vera was just six
weeks old, the family moved to La Jolla, California, to join her father, who had already relocated there to
prepare a home for his family.

Vera attended La Jolla Elementary and later La Jolla High School, where she was very involved in school
activities and was a proud member of the high school marching band. She was beautiful inside and out,
had a great personality, and had many friends. Vera grew up in a Christian home and, at an early age,
gave her life to Christ, attending Prince Chapel A.M.E. church in La Jolla.

After graduating from High School in 1955, Vera traveled by train to Columbia, South Carolina, moved in
with her older sister, and attended Benedict College. There she met the handsome Freddie Mack
Williams and was welcomed into his family, who loved her. In 1956, they were united in holy matrimony
in Columbia, where their first two daughters were born. In 1959, the family moved to La Jolla, California,
and were blessed with two more daughters. Finally, in 1964, the family moved to San Diego, where the
fifth daughter was born.

Shortly after their move to San Diego, the family joined the Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership
of the late Dr. S. M. Lockridge, where Vera served in several ministries. She was active on the usher
board, led the Sunday School Kindergarten Department as Superintendent, and was involved in the
Women's Mission Group. Along with serving at the church, Vera's love for children led her to volunteer
at her daughters' school, and in 1972 she began her employment as a Teacher's Aid with San Diego City
Schools, where she worked for 28 years. In 1996, Vera joined the Mt. Erie Baptist Church under the
leadership of Dr. Walter G. Wells. At Mt. Erie, she remained dedicated to the Women's Mission and
served as president of the senior usher board. Vera served as an officer in the California Missionary
Baptist State Convention Usher's Ministry for over fifteen years. She was president of the Progressive
Missionary Baptist District Association Usher's Ministry until her death. Vera loved being an usher.

Throughout her entire life, Vera had a nurturing and caring spirit, even at an early age, helping her
mother take care of her younger siblings. This showed in her continued devotion as a loving wife and
mother to her five girls, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her caring spirit extended to her
church, neighborhood, and community. There are some that felt so close to her that, like her own
family, fondly referred to her as "Aunt Bibbie" or "Granny." Vera enjoyed playing the piano, sewing,
crocheting, exercising, and watching Hallmark movies. Most of all, she loved the Lord and loved people.
She will be missed.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Freddie Mack Williams; parents, Thad and
Cecile Epps; brothers Charles "Luke" Epps, Randell "Dell" Epps, Thad "Joe" Epps, Wilbert "Billy" Epps;
sisters, Carrie Lois Johnson, Barbara Ann Charlton; granddaughter, Jeniece Daniels.

On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, surrounded by her family, Vera Lee Williams was called from earthly labor to
eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memories daughters Teri Williams, Pamela Williams, Patricia
Daniels, Linda Martin, and DeJeanette Williams; sister Maxine Henry and brother Donald "Donnie" Epps
(Sandy); grandchildren, Daniel Martin (Zenja); Korynn Daniels; Kayla Martin; great-grandchildren, Elisha
Martin, Aaliyah Sherrills, and Zahara Martin; brother-in-law, Reverend John Williams; sister-in-law, Edna
Thompson (David), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

"One whom teaches has affects that last into eternity; they may never know where their influence stops.”

~ H. B.  Adams

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