J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Epps, John "J.W."

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

John Wesley “J.W.” Epps, 44, of Hopewell died Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Hopewell and spent his entire life in the Hopewell area. “J.W.” was a self-employed artist and lighting designer. He was the son of Royster Hubert and Esther Crowley Epps. In addition to his parents, “J.W.” is survived by his fiancee’ Mia Daniel of Hopewell and her family, a daughter, Summer Daniel of Chester, her mother, Susan Tyler of Richmond, her brother Chris Tyler and his wife Susan of Cleveland, Ohio, his sister Teresa M. Owens and her husband Joe of Chester, his brother, Michael G. Epps and his wife Cynthia of Hopewell, three nieces, Savanah Epps, Sarah Prater and her husband Kevin, all of Hopewell, and Catherine Tyler of Cleveland, OH, a nephew, Joey Owens of Chester and great nieces Madysen and MaKenzie Prater, both of Hopewell and his beloved four dogs, Jezzo, Mudd, Slurpee and Gracie. The family will receive friends Friday, September 21, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Family Worship and Praise Center, City Point Road, Hopewell. A funeral service will be held at the church Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM with Chaplain Glenn Chewning of Bon Secours Hospitals officiating. On Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 2:00 PM a funeral service will be held in Calvary Baptist Church, Roxboro, NC with the Rev. Norman Talley, pastor officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Flowers are welcomed or contributions may be made to Bon Secours Hospice, 8580 Magellan Parkway, Richmond, VA 23227. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com

May you and your family find comfort in knowing that caring thoughts and deep sympathy are with you because of your recent loss of J.W. May Almighty God help you (John 11:25) now and in the days to come. Our loved ones may leave the world but never the special place they hold in our heart.

Posted by: The Kindred Family at October 18, 2007 04:56 AM

JW is and will always be a bright star in our skies....May you and family be in God's loving arms of comfort.

Christine Cole
Vero Beach ,FL

Posted by: Christine "McGhee" Cole at September 27, 2007 11:40 PM

I haven't seen J.W. in a long time but he made a difference in my life when I was young - I went to school with J.W. and will miss him dearly. May God bless his family and remember all of the good times

Posted by: Michelle (Goode) King at September 25, 2007 05:46 PM

To the family & love ones of J.W.Epps;I'm sorry I missed the celebration of life for J.W; but i didnt find out until it was too late. I did get to see J.W couple of years ago & he looked great. I will always remember the good times we had w/J.W & Kevin back in the "70's";riding around in the 65 mustang nickname by J.W "The Blue Bat" & the painting of the eggs in his parents refrig.Its sad to lose someone so young & full of life;but we all know he is in a better place than we are...May God bless & take care of yourselves;my thoughts & prayers are with each one of you.Darlene

Posted by: Darlene Brown Barnes at September 25, 2007 03:49 PM

We are so very sorry about the passing of J.W. but we do rejoice in that he is with His Savior. God has him in His care and we rejoice that the battle with cancer is over for him. We pray God will bless the family and give strength and comfort to their broken hearts.

Posted by: Pastor Ron and Linda Shortt, Souls for Christ Ministries and Lighthouse Baptist Church at September 24, 2007 09:48 AM

May the grace of God bless and keep you in this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that JW is lighting up the heavens just as he was a light to everyone he met on this earth.

Posted by: Denise Simmons Duesing at September 23, 2007 11:24 PM

May your family find comfort in the promise that is soon to be fulfilled at Isaiah 33:24 - "And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error."

Posted by: Denise at September 23, 2007 02:20 PM

I just heard about J.W.'s passing. I was not aware that he was ill, because I had lost touch with him when the Coppermine closed, but I have crossed paths with J.W. since he was 12 years old, and I loved him then as I love him now! My most heartfelt prayers are with all of his family at this time. It is never easy to lose one who is so dear to so many. He will be with you as long as you think of him. I will keep him in my memory always.

Posted by: Rhonda Hening at September 23, 2007 03:56 AM

In lifes journey few truly special people cross your path. J.W. was one of the best. I traveled many miles with him and have nothing but fond memories of time spent with him. MY prayers go out to his family and friends. R.I.P. Brother

Posted by: Steve Hazelwood at September 22, 2007 01:21 PM

Words will never be able to express the sadness left by J's passing. He truly lit up the whole room with just his presence and laughter.

Miss you bro

Posted by: Jerimiah J Cox at September 22, 2007 12:14 PM

My daughter and I only knew 'J' for a brief time but he has touched us both with his love for Christ. I am trully blessed to have known him. He will be missed by the youth of the VA Conference of the UMC. He loved them and was always kind and patient. I know that he is in Gods hands and LIGHTING up Heaven! Thank you for sharing him with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by: Sandra & Rachel Smith at September 22, 2007 07:36 AM

I remember J.W.from years ago,even though we lost track of each other over the years I still remember
all of the good memories and good times we had back then and I thought of him often over the years.I was unaware of his illness and wished I would have known.I am so sorry to hear of his death but I'm sure he'll make Heaven smile like he did many others.My prayers go out to his family
and all of the people that cared for him.Good BYE
J.W.you will be missed

Posted by: Wayne Brinkley at September 22, 2007 02:10 AM

JW was a very special person, always making others laugh, fun to be around and always being there for others. I will always cherish the memories I have of him and his family. Even though I haven't seen you all in years you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all!! May God be with you all at your time of loss and remember we will all meet JW again someday!

Posted by: Margaret Maples Rowland at September 21, 2007 10:57 PM

Mia, We would like to wish you the best in this time. We will all miss J.W. He was one of a kind. Never a dull moment when him and Chris did shows. Chris really got to know him in the short time they had together and always had great things to say... REST IN PEACE J.W.

Posted by: MAGGIE & CHRIS at September 21, 2007 05:56 PM

Roy and Esther, I watched JW grow up with my boys David and Joe. I always thought so much of him, he was one of my favorites. He always made me laugh and always had a smile on his face. He was an usher in David and Rhonda's wedding and we laughed all the way down the aisle that evening. I was saddened by his illness and death but just know that he is no longer suffering and he will be waiting for both of you by the Pearly Gates with a big smile on his face. I will continue to remember you both and the rest of the family in my daily prayers.

Posted by: Bill and Katherine Hearington at September 21, 2007 04:33 PM

JW WAS ONE OF THE KINDEST, CONSIDERATE, FUNNIEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET, HE REALLY LIT UP THE WORLD, I HAVEN'T SEEN HIM IN YEARS, BUT WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THE MEMORIES OF THE SHOWS, THE DUBBERLY FARM AND JUST HANGING OUT WITH MUTUAL FRIENDS. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO MR. AND MRS. EPPS, MIKE AND ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY HIS LOSS. TAMMY

Posted by: Tammy Harris Temple at September 21, 2007 10:12 AM

Mia .... our hearts and prayers go out to you and all of your family. We know you have been through a very hard time the past few months. Please always remember that your friends are here for you and love you! Auggie & Ray

Posted by: Aldwyth Elmore at September 21, 2007 08:36 AM

It is always hard to find the write words to comfort loved ones when the lose someone so special, we just want you to know you are in our prayers and JW will be greatly missed!!

Donnie and Stephanie Hogue

Posted by: Donnie and Stephanie Hogue at September 20, 2007 11:07 PM

J.W. was a beloved friend and someone I feel proud to have had as a friend. He was one of the most giving individuals that I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Looking back; some of the most memorable times as a musician and J.W. was there for every one of them. I can honestly say that I looked forward to the load in and out as much as I did the shows, hang out & joking around with him was the best. No matter how small or big the gig JW would put a 100% into the show and made all of us look good. Thank you my friend/my brother, you will be missed but NEVER forgotten.

Posted by: Mike Hobbs at September 20, 2007 10:28 PM

Although I have not seen JW in several years he was a HUGE part of my teen and early adult years. I have many, many memories that I will cherish. He was a great friend. May God bless you all.

Posted by: Kim Livesay Bear at September 20, 2007 09:38 PM

J.W. will be greatly missed by all. He was the only person that you could meet once; and he would put a smile on your face and memories that will last a lifetime. Sympanthy and prayers go out to Roy, Ester, Mike and Mia for their loss. We all know he is in a better place; because you can't light the day without a little J.W. in your heart.

Posted by: Stoagie and Ginny Schwank at September 20, 2007 07:15 PM

Roy, Esther, Teresa and Michael --
Please know that I am thinking of you all. My deepest condolences on the loss of JW. He will be truly missed but I know that he is free of his pain now and smiling down on all of you. I hope to see you soon.

Julie, Pat and Claire Riley

Posted by: Julie Riley at September 20, 2007 06:30 PM

I've only seen "JW" a few times in the past 12 years, but he was a big part of my life for many years. He was always good to me and my son Perrin. "JW" made sure one of the first toys Perrin had were Batman and Robin, and of course they were not ordinary Batman and Robin. They had to be collector items. He still has them.
Esther, Roy and Mike you are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm glad "JW" is home and no longer in pain.

with love,

Susan

Posted by: Susan W. Gill at September 20, 2007 05:18 PM

Roy and Esther you will continue to remain in our prayers. May you both find comfort in knowing you will see J.W. again when you go to the other side. May God comfort you in your time of loss.

Posted by: Jackie and Wayne Adams at September 20, 2007 04:55 PM

Treasured memories of wonderful fun and travels become even more cherished knowing our paths will never cross again. I had not seen J.W. in more than 20 years, however many things over those years have made those memories remain crystal clear. I will always consider myself lucky to have had the privilege of calling him my friend. My time hanging with those two "J"s and the rest of those STROKERS remain cherished forever! My deepest sympathy,thoughts,and prayers to all of you.

Rhonda

Posted by: Rhonda at September 20, 2007 11:48 AM

J.W. was a great funny guy who literally "lit" the room up when coming thru. He truly will be missed. By family as well as friends... rest in peace... Tammy, Chris, Rachel, Katelyn, Sydney, & Sarah Arnold

Posted by: Tammy Arnold at September 20, 2007 10:42 AM

Although I didn't know him as well as some, my husband knew him (Tim Bennett)as he did the lights for The Kode. I only heard good things about J.W. and my sympathy goes out to all of his family, loved ones and close friends such as Jay (a.k.a. Hollywood)I know he was very close to him. May God be with him and now he won't be in pain or any suffering and is in a better place.

Posted by: Stephanie Bennett at September 20, 2007 09:53 AM

J.W. will be Greatly missed.You could always count on him for a laugh(many) and a Great Show.Many good times were had that will never be forgotten.We will all miss you.Thankyou for making us all look good under the lights.

Posted by: John Domo at September 20, 2007 09:06 AM

Roy and Family,
My condolences at the loss of J.W. I met him a few years ago and had the opportunity to talk with him on several occasions. He was a very nice man.

Posted by: Tommy Peters at September 20, 2007 08:52 AM

Although I haven't seen J. W. in many years I appreciate the fond memories of spending time with his family during my youth. My thoughts and prayers are with Roy, Esther, Mike and all those affected by his loss. May God be with you. Rest easy J.W.!

Posted by: John Hughes at September 20, 2007 08:46 AM

I had the pleasure of getting to know J.W. in 1982. For about two years we traveled in the band The Strokers. Much fun was had and lifelong memories were made. J.W. was easy going and had a big heart. I'm sure he's in a better place.

Posted by: Dadion Lester at September 19, 2007 11:49 PM