Mary Epps Obituary

Mary Ann Epps

September 25, 1931 - November 1, 2023

Bedford, Texas - Mary Ann Epps was in born in Dallas, Tx on September 25, 1931, to John Thomas and May Irene Rodman. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 1, 2023, at the age of 92. Her battle with Alzheimer's Disease rarely took away her kind spirit and her love of a good tune. Mary Ann was the sweet surprise baby girl to her family. She was born almost 20 years after her last brother. She met the love of her life while ice skating at Fair Park in Dallas. She tripped over a penny on the ice, right in front of a handsome hockey player. His name was Joe Epps. Epps picked up Mary Ann and the penny and held on to both of them until his death 72 years later. Never was a penny worth so much!

Mary Ann was a career woman who had a successful modeling career. She was a modeling instructor for Patricia Stevens School and after 7 years moved on to be a freelance model. She was often seen modeling at the auto shows at the State Fair, and on Lone Star Gas Ads. For over 11 years she was the host and producer of a television show, Spotlite on Homes, that appeared on Channel 4 on Sunday afternoons. After the show ended Mary Ann stayed home and was the champion for her three children.

Years later, Mary Ann enjoyed a job as an assistant to the director of the Fort Worth Ballet ( now the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet).

In retirement, if Mary Ann was not volunteering for Woodhaven Neighborhood Association, the Ballet Guild, Meals on Wheels, Thistle Hill or several others; she was planning a trip for she and Joe. They had many wonderful cruises and travels in their lifetime.

Mary Ann is survived by her three children, Ron (Barbara) Epps, John Epps, Becky (Jay) Purchase. She was also blessed with six grandchildren Emily (Carlos) Saenz, Catherine (Elliot) Michel, Jen (Gary) Starr, Dixie Brumley, Johnna Purchase, Jaynee Purchase , and ten great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann was lovingly served by many caretakers through the years. The family is forever grateful to them for their love and compassion. The Alzheimer's journey was made so much easier with their love and care. They treated Mary Ann as their own.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Meals on Wheels or Alzheimer’s Association. Services will be held at 121 Community Church in Grapevine at 11am on December19. Mary Ann loved the Christmas time of year and especially enjoyed hosting neighborhood wassail parties. The family would love if you would dress in Christmas festive and bright.