Ursula Juanita Gary-Epps

                                                    "Let all that I am, wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him."
                                                                                            Psalm 62:5 
This simple verse reflects the hope and faith that Ursula Juanita Gary held onto and believed in throughout her life. Born on April 16, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio, Ursula was the third child born to West F. and Mildred J. Gary. Ursula had a very out-going, warm and loving personality, with a wonderful sense of humor. She was also a talented musician, playing both the violin and the piano. 
At a young age, Ursula committed her life to Jesus Christ, regularly attending Emmanuel Baptist Church with her family. There she played the violin during worship service and was a member of the usher board. 

Ursula attended Cleveland Public Schools through high school, graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970. When Ursula was just six years old, she would meet & become forever friends with Denise "Dee" Moore. Dee and "Ernie" (Ursula's nickname) would remain forever friends for over 61 years. The same year Ursula graduated from high school, she became "Debutante of the Year" at the Collinwood Community Cotillion. 
After graduation, Ursula attended college at Miami University of Ohio majoring in education. During her time at Miami University, she was a finalist in the Miss Miami contest. This was groundbreaking for the university at the time, as Ursula was the only African-American finalist; there had not previously been an African- American finalist . Ursula enjoyed the Cincinnati area and chose to make it her permanent home after graduating from Miami in 1974. She was a faithful member for over 20 years at Miracle Faith Center/Kingdom Empowerment Ministries. Ursula loved her church family and loved serving wherever, and however, the Lord needed her to serve. 

Ursula began her career as an elementary school teacher then moved onto social work with Hamilton County. Her last career move was as a Residential Manager for the Central Community Health Board. She worked faithfully there for 33 years until she retired in 2015. 
Ursula joined in paradise, Reginald Reynolds, the father of her three children, Jason Kyle, Courtney Lee and Jessica Olivia. Her children were the joy of her life; her love for them unconditional. Ursula's prayer for her children was that they would always believe in God and live for Him. She taught her children the simple truth that "Tomorrow is not promised to you, so love and forgive today." 

On September 8, Ursula heard her Savior call her home. To her family and friends, she left us unexpectedly and too soon. Yet her Savior knew it was time for her to come home and be with Him. No longer bound by the limitations of an earthly body, "the mortal put on immortality, then it shall be as the Scripture says: life everlasting has victoriously swallowed death" I Cor. 15:54 

Ursula was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred J. Gary and father, West F. Gary. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved three children, Jason (Andrea), Courtney, and Jessica. Her grandchildren, Mayoree, Gabriel, Quartiana Lewis, Chonte'via Lewis and Jorden Lewis; one brother, Wesley (Celeste) and two sisters, Monica and Kyle. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, a nephew & several nieces. She also leaves a cherished and beloved friend, Dee Moore-Walker and family in love; Beatrice, Yamajesty, Heaven and Messiah, as well as a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation is from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the Bethel Baptist Church - Alms Place, 2712 Alms Place, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 4:00 pm. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

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

Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is honored to serve the  Gary-Epps family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ursula Juanita Gary-Epps, please visit our floral store.