Mary “June” Epp

TYLER — Mary “June” Epp of Tyler passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 18, 2024. June was born in Tyler to Bryan K. Ray and Ruth M. Ray on July 4, 1939. Being an Independence Day baby, she was crushed to find out in her youth that everyone wasn’t just celebrating her birthday on that day every year.

June was preceded in death by her parents and older brothers Bryan “Kenneth” Ray and Arliss “Wayne” Ray and son, Stephen Epp. She is survived by her sister, Sara Waggonner of Tyler, her children, David Epp (Kathy) of Georgetown, TX, Angie Beekman of Bullard, TX, and Mark Epp (Amy) of Shreveport, LA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren as well as countless other nieces, nephews and other cousins and family.

June graduated from Tyler High School in 1957 and attended TJC where she was an Apache Belle. She had been a member of Green Acres Baptist Church since 1978 except for the several years that she lived in other places. She was a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class.

June was a Realtor for many years, but always made time to be engaged with all of the activities of her children. She was commonly the room mother or was found doing anything she could to help whoever oversaw an event. Whether she was in the limelight or not, she was always doing whatever she could to help any situation she saw. Whether it was cooking a meal (which she excelled at), watching her beloved Razorbacks play, traveling with her family to many places around the globe or hanging out at the campsite, she did everything with a zest for life.

She was a loving wife to her husband Marlin for 54 years until his passing in 2020. June was a consistent volunteer at the Tyler Area Senior Citizens Association, The Bethesda Alliance and the Salvation Army among other charities.

June was also an accomplished artist, painting countless pieces over the years. While some decorated her house, and the houses of family, many others are owned by those who purchased her works through the many shows she participated in through the Palette of Roses Art League. Art was her passion for many years even up until her death.

The family would like to thank the staff of Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital for the care they have given over the years, especially at the end of her journey. We know that she is rejoicing with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and has been reunited with so many others.

A Memorial Service will be held at Green Acres Baptist Church Chapel on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM with Dr. David Dykes officiating. Visitation to follow in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to any of the charities mentioned above.