Pearl Needham Epperson

Pearl Epperson, 84, Kingsport, passed away on Monday, August 6th at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. Born in Ft. Blackmore, VA, she was a graduate of Sullivan High School. Pearl was very active in the churches she attended. Her work in Girl Scouts was also important; she was awarded the highest honor for volunteers. She courageously stepped forward in the 60's and took a leadership role in integrating Girl Scout day camps in Chattanooga. Pearl was accomplished in all forms of needlework. She was active in the Ceramics Class at the Kingsport Senior Citizens Center. She was a loving mother and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, Mack Epperson Jr.; parents, W.T. and Phinetta Needham; and sister-in-law, Joan Gilmore.

Pearl is survived by her children, Carolyn Coates and husband, Gary of Kingsport, Maxine Epperson and partner, Lisa Strongin of Visalia, CA, Deborah Wessels and her late husband, Kenneth Wessels of Iowa City, IA, Mack Epperson III and wife, Debra of Washougal, WA, and Catherine Faller and husband, Dave of Bakersfield, CA; grandchildren, Leslie Rogers and husband, Sean, Amanda Cox and husband, Aaron, Jessica Coates and fiancé, Chad Boyd, Chris Darby and wife, Kerry, Graham Darby and wife, Kara, Emanuelle Wessels and husband, Mark Martinez, Victor Wessels and fiancée, Alison Redden, Mack Epperson IV and wife, Kori, and Stacy Larranaga and husband, K.C.; niece, Karen Gilmore; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 10th from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm with Dr. Donnie Brannen officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, August 11th, at 9:00 am at East Lawn Memorial Park.