Obituary

Barbara Ann James Epps

April 9, 1954 - July 9, 2025

Barbara Ann James Epps, age 71 and a resident of Franklinton, passed away peacefully Wednesday night July 9, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. She was retired after a long career as a first grade teacher at Franklinton Primary School. Barbara loved her students and co-workers and she cherished the opportunity to mentor countless young children over the years. She really enjoyed getting to know each one and watch them grow. She was a longtime active member of Sunlight Baptist Church, where she worked with Vacation Bible School each summer and led the “children’s church” message during Sunday morning services for many years. Barbara liked to mow the grass and take care of her yard. She enjoyed cooking for her family, with roast and rice and gravy being just one of the family favorites. Barbara also enjoyed going out to eat with her family and going to the Fair each year. She was forever a loving mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all that knew her.

Survived by: Daughter and Son in law: Abby and Trent Penny of Franklinton; 2 Grandsons: Collin Penny, Ty Penny; Sister in law and Brother in law: Jaqueline and Joe Wild of Natchez, MS; Nieces and Nephews: April and Roy Hill, Byron and Sherri Reeves and their families

She was preceded in death by her daughter Angela Dianne “Angie” Epps, husband Thomas Collins Epps, mother Vanda Reeves, father in law and mother in law John Thomas Epps and Imogene Collins Epps and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Sunday July 13th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Sunday with Rev. Leroy McElveen officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunlight Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to her caregivers, Ethel Williams and Angela Tate, for the loving support they showed to Barbara these last few years. Also, a thank you to the ICU staff at St. Tammany Hospital and St. Tammany Hospice for the excellent care provided.

Pallbearers: Collin Penny, Ty Penny, Byron Reeves, Colby Reeves, Roy Hill, Shane Hickman