Willie James Epps

Dr. Barbara Epps, I'm so sorry for your loss and prayer for strength and encouragement during this difficult time.

Dr. Epps was a friend and colleague. He was best known for his ability to speak and conduct training, while keeping you laughing at his unique humor to Head Start audiences throughout the country. His superb writing skills were demonstrated with a best-selling book entitled "Transitioning Head Start Children into the Public School Setting" which was sold and promoted by the National Head Start Association. Dr. Epps helped many other people secure consulting jobs and attain a higher education.

Dr Epps was an inspiration, a friend and a colleague. Thanks to God for this exceptional gift to the field of Early Childhood. Dr Epps made a difference.

Dear Willie--
I was so sorry to hear about your father's passing. He was certainly an impressive individual. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Jim Dunn

Praying that God will give your Family peace

Wow! Reading about Dr. Epps' life makes me even prouder to have graduated from Tchula Attendance Center aka TAC. I am proud to know he was from Holmes County let alone Tchula. He another one of God's successes from the area. My prayers are with his wife and family.

Mrs. Barbara Epps and family you all have my deepest sympathy and condolences of the passing of your husband, father and grandchildren of Dr. Willie Epps. In my eyesight, such a great Leader, astonishing person and respectful co-worker. My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. Wishing the family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Valerie Samuels

You have my deepest sympathy of the passing of one of the greatest men known. Wishing your family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

On behalf of the ABA Judicial Division, National Federal Trial Judges Conference, we want to express our deepest condolences to the Epps family. We also celebrate and honor the amazing life and legacy of Dr. Epps.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family. In your loss, may you find strength and comfort through the memories of your loved one. Willie and I were former classmates and our families grew up on the same road in the Mileston community of Tchula, Mississippi. May God comfort and strengthen the family each day.


Rev. Thomas "T. J." Neal, Sr. and Siblings

I am very saddened to hear/read the news of the transition of OUR beloved Dr Willie Epps. Here´s sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to his loving family and huge circle of friends/associates, including members of OUR Mississippi Valley State Alumni Association everywhere, particularly those in OUR local Holmes County Chapter and newly Yazoo County organized Yazoo County Chapter.

I can instantly recall the first time I met Dr Willie Epps while attending a Head Start Program and/or a Social Workers Training Conference in Washington, DC several years ago! He was a most outstanding presenter...so talented, so lively, and so genuine! I don´t remember the year, but I cheerfully recall that the conference was held at the time his daughter "Bea" was merely 5-years-old because throughout Dr Epp´s presentation, he told his "real life family stories" of growing up in rural Holmes County, MS constantly noting that his BOSS at both home and at work is GOD...and a 5-year-old named "Bea" (smile)!

Dr Epp´s presentation became one of the most "sought after" sessions at the three-day conference in Washington, DC that year, and he became the most "sought-after" presenter for future conferences across the nation. It was also during that conference that I began...and STILL DO TODAY...feel so humble, happy and proud to be standing on the shoulders of a GIANT whose legacy lives on at OUR Dear MVSU, in the rural Mississippi Delta, across the state and nation and around the world!

Thanks for sharing the life, legacy and LOVE of OUR beloved Dr. Willie Epps. The precious memories last forever, and LOVE never dies. May the Good Lord bless US ALL with peace, comfort, strength and understanding of His Will! -Gloria-Elayne Owens of YAZOO City, MS/MVSU `78

Heartfelt condolences to the entire Epps family for the loss of their loving patriarch, a great leader and educator who accomplished so much in his 76 years. Blessings and peace to you all in this time of sorrow.

Soror Barbara,
Mu prayers are with you and your family at this time! Remeber your husband and father lived a Great Life leaving a legacy for us all to follow

Many hugs, prayers & condolences to you, Barbara, and the whole family. Doc had a long and amazing career in Head Start, inspiring, challenging, & at times frustrating his colleagues, including me. His vision was always two or more steps ahead. He motivated countless folks, with his eye always on those we served in the program. It was my honor to work with both of you at SIUE. I wish you peace and strength as you move through your grief.

Dear Willie & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss and wish we had the opportunity to meet your Dad before he passed. He sounds like an amazing man who made a difference in the lives of so many.
Please know we are thinking and praying for you and your family now and always.
Sincerely,
Albert & Tracy Hsu

A child of God has joined Our Father who art in heaven. May God keep you in the throws of His comfort as you mourn the loss of such an impactful spirit in the lives of all he touched. Blessings to you and yours.

What a beautiful legacy of strength, perseverance, and love! My prayers are with you as you honor this great man and grieve his absence in this realm. May you find strength in knowing God has welcomed him home.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Soror Barbara,
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers during this time.

To Dr. Barbara Epps & Family, The Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Omicron Theta Omega Chapter sends our deepest condolences. We are praying for you. May the peace of God comfort you during this time of bereavement.

I knew Willie as a colleague at SIUE East St. Louis. I never met a gentleman like Willie. May you rest in peace and enjoy the presence of the good Lord

Barbara and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Willie was a great colleague at SIUE. We worked together in the management of his grants to the ESTL Center and I never doubted that Willie had the best interests of the children in mind. I have tremendous respect for Willie -- his skill and his leadership. More than a respected colleague, Willie was a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Epps Family - Dr. Epps led a life of honor and service. His legacy lives on in each of you. With condolences for your loss.

To Dr. Barbara Epps and her family, I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure working under Dr. Epps direction, it was like working with family. From the Nunn, Phillips, and Mandley Families we extend our deepest sympathies.

Our hearts goes out to the Epps Family for your loss. We wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

What an inspiring life - his service lives on in the extraordinary life and work of his family, including his son, federal Judge Willie Epps, Jr. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
Barbara Simpson Sutton and the Simpson family

Dear Willie and family,

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. But, know that your dad is at peace. It was a pleasure and an honor to have met him. You all are living legacies of his life long efforts. May love and peace embrace you all.

Wille and family,
May my condolences bring you comfort and my prayers ease the pain of your loss.

I am so saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend whom I grew up with in the little town of Tchula, MS. Dr. Epps was a smart young man and would help others if they needed it. He had a personality plus. To the family, you have my sympathy and we loved Dr. Epps also.

Soror Barbara,
My deepest condolences to you and family. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Love you.

My deepest condolences to my dear friend Bea and your entire family. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time. Love you!

Dr. Fannye my prayers are with you and the entire Epps Family as you all celebrate the life and distinguished legacy of your dear brother and my friend, fellow Mississippian and MVSU classmate Dr. Willie J. Epps. He was a giant in the field of education and truly made a stellar imprint and influenced so many lives . He was a minister in education , as he shared his brilliant knowledge base on a national and international level.
His contributions in teaching, leadership, research, scholarship, mentoring and endless service made a positive impact on so many lives and institutions in higher, community based and P-12 education. He was not only a brilliant leader in education , but also a great humanitarian. Dr. Epps never forgot his roots that ran deep in
Mississippi Delta soil. He gave back to so many in need through his compassionate and servant leadership. Dr. Willie J. never met a stranger, so I am sure he is already greeting everyone with humor, as the Lord welcomed his good and faithful servant home. Dr. Willie J. Rest In Peace.

On this New Year´s Day 2023, I am reading about the passing of one of the smartest, dynamic, influential educators that I ever knew and was privileged to work with. My deepest sympathies are sent to Barbara, Beatrix, Willie Jr, sister Fannie and all the family.

I absolutely loved this man. Welcomed me in to his family with open arms. We will miss you terribly. May you rest in heaven. I love you Doc!

My love and condolences Soror Bea, Soror Barbara, and the entire family. The God of all comfort be your peace. We love you.