Bernice Epps

Bernice "Niece" Epps, 81, of Church Hill, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at Indian Path Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

Born in Lee County, Virginia, she had resided most of her life in Church Hill. She attended First Baptist Church, Church Hill, and had sung in her earlier years with Mountain View Quartet. Bernice will be fondly remembered for her cooking and baking. She was a loving and caring wife, sister, and aunt.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Hal and Callie Laster; a brother, Leonard Laster; and two nieces, Andrea Erwin and Sandy Washburn.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Maxwell Epps, of Church Hill; two sisters, Dexal Greer and husband, Gene, of Kingsport, and Jenny Washburn, Augusta. GA; a brother, Eunice Laster and wife, Mary Ruth, Stickleyville, VA; two special nieces, Colleen Frazier and husband, Terry, Gate City, VA, and Sharon Jordan and husband, Francis, Pitkin, LA; and several other nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Services will follow at 7:00, with Rev. Gary Gerhardt and Elder Burnice Sybert officiating. Graveside services will be conducted on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA.

Memorial contributions may be sent to First Baptist Church, 202 E. Main Blvd., Church Hill, TN 37642.