Shelvie Jean (Long) Epperley

OAK RIDGE - Shelvie Jean Long Epperley, 87, entered into the eternal rest and peace of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Monday, January 20, 2025. Shelvie was born on June 23, 1937 in Montgomery County, VA to Roy and Marie Elliott Long.

She is leaving a legacy of faith as a devoted servant of God, attending and serving others through her local church, Bethel Methodist Church. She fulfilled a lifelong calling as a nurse for 45 years before finishing her career at Wesley Long Hospital, ministering to many lives with her tender spirit. We can now be certain she has come into her inheritance, entering His gates with singing, where gladness and joy have overtaken her and sorrow and sighing have flown away. Though her story on earth is complete, we, in Christ, know we will see her again in His Glory.

Shelvie is survived by Kenneth Epperley, her devoted husband of 67 years; daughter, Valerie Tolbert (Rick); son, Dale Epperley (Stephanie); and daughter-in-law, Wendy Epperley. Her precious grandchildren, Lauren Tolbert, Thomas Epperley (Nicole), Kimberly Epperley (John Gilley), Travis Epperley (Kaylee), and great-grandchildren, Lucas Epperley, Shelvie Epperley, and Ava Barnett will forever be touched by her love. She is also survived by a nephew, David Long. 

She patiently endured suffering but remained faithful in the loss of her dear son, Ronnie Epperley. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Marie Long; her brother, Drexel Long; her nephew, Darryl Long; and great granddaughter, Jada Epperley. 

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Bethel Methodist Church of Oak Ridge with Rev. Charmaigne Van Rooyan officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, at Hayworth Miller Kernersville Chapel.

The family would like to thank Lauren, Kristi Hensley and Kellie Tickle for all the care, compassion and companionship while caring for mom this year. The family would like to thank the office of Dr. South at Guilford Medical Associates, the staff of Wesley Long Cancer Center, Dr. Kale and Beth, and the amazing staff of Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point.