Mary Lee Epps October 28th, 1933 – February 27th, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary Lee Epps, who peacefully departed this life on February 27th, 2025, at her home in Douglasville, Georgia, at the age of 91.

Mary was born on October 28th, 1933, in Tennille, Georgia, to Mr. AB and Grace Jones. She was the second oldest of fourteen children and played a guiding and nurturing role in her large family.

From a young age, she embraced the responsibility of guiding and supporting her younger siblings, always reaching back to help them succeed and create an easier life for themselves. Her strength, wisdom, and selflessness were a cornerstone for her family.

She was the loving wife of the late James Norman Epps, with whom she shared many cherished years until his passing in April of 2018. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Mary's life was dedicated to both her family and her community. She retired as a Shipping Supervisor at Liebel Flarsheim, where she dedicated many years of service as a machinist before retiring, April 1999.

Beyond her professional career, Mary extended her care and leadership to the community, serving on the Lincoln Heights City Council. She was passionate about uplifting others and worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

Mary was deeply involved in public service and civic engagement. She served as a councilwoman for the City of Lincoln Heights, Ohio. Where she was an integral force in shaping the community. Under the leadership of her adopted brother and neighbor, Mayor Herman Dantzler, and alongside other committed Lincoln Heights residents, she played a key role in securing millions of dollars in funding from HUD and EDA to modernize the city's sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.

Her tenure in office coincided with a period of Urban Renewal, which transformed the city's landscape in the areas of housing and economic development. While in office, she was instrumental in the creation of the city's first industrial park, the CETA program, which provided jobs for the youth of the community, and the development of Centennial Estates, an important housing initiative. As a reward for her due diligence and unwavering sacrifice to Lincoln Heights, Mary was awarded the key to the city from Mayor Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey.

Mary was an active and dependable member of Ebenezer Second Baptist Church for more than half a century. She served on a plethora of ministries throughout her membership there; and a staple to the church community in Lincoln Heights. She was the mother that everyone turned to whenever they needed a hand, guidance, love, or even a plate.

Mary's life was dedicated to family and service. She was a devoted mother to Jamaal Abdul-Ali aka Welton Jones and Tafi Nicole Epps. She was a proud grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren: Jason Lacy, Jennifer Lacy, Rashad Shelton, Kennedy Anderson, Samayah Abdul-Ali, and Princess Aaliyah Abdul-Ali, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jalen Lacy, CharLeigh Lacy, Messiah Lacy, Halo Anderson, and Rashad Shelton II. She also shared a special bond with her beloved god-daughter, Maranda White. Whom she loved as her own. Her family was her heart, and she poured love into every moment spent with them.

She also had a kind, loving and lasting relationship with her late husband's family. Lydia (sister-in-law), David Jr, Charles, Bobby, Myrtis and Victoria. Additionally, she took on the role as a second mother to the Watt's children and Casey Pate (her nephew).

She found joy in cooking for family and friends and cherishing the time spent with her loved ones. Her presence brought warmth and comfort, and her home was always a place of love, laughter, and good food. She lived with a BIG heart.

Mary's life will be honored and celebrated at Ebenezer Second Baptist Church in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, where family and friends will gather to pay tribute to the incredible woman she was.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Mary's spirit and legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a family and community forever touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion. Including her siblings: Kinas Smith, Albert Jones, Henry Jones, Harold Jones, Larry Jones, all who have preceded her in death, Annie Pearl Jones of Brooklyn, NY, Alice Jones, Ella Jones, Marilyn Jones, Carol Tillman (Richard), of Atlanta, GA. Elizabeth Jones of Macon, GA, David Jones (Bernice) of Detroit, MI. and Calvin Jones of Cincinnati, OH.

Well done Mary. May you rest in peace. You will be deeply missed, never forgotten and forever cherished.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Ebenezer Second Baptist Church, 10054 Dixie Court, Cincinnati  (45215).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park, 10209 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241.

To share a memory of Mary or leave a special message for the Epps family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Epps family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.