Morris, Marie Epperly
Helen “Marie” Epperly Morris went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. She was born August 26, 1929, to the late Annie Jones Epperly and William Dell Epperly.
Mama started working at an early age to help support the family. She held several jobs through the years one being the Montgomery Chair Factory where she made many lasting friendships. After the chair factory she went to work at the Virginia Tech Print Shop where she was lovingly called, “Mama Marie”.
She was surrounded by her family on Tuesday and serenaded with love, comedy, and lots of “I love yous”. She loved her family dearly and every grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild that came along brought more joy to her life.
By God’s grace Mama lived 97 years on Earth and now will enjoy her mansion in Heaven. Her church pew has been empty for a while, due to her illness, but it will be remembered for a long time as “Marie’s Corner”.
Mama was preceded in death by her husband, “Wig” Morris; grandson, Kevin Early; and all her siblings, Reba Barker (Woodrow), Roy Epperly (Tootie), Ken Epperly (Freda), Bob Epperly (Kathleen), Will Epperly, Drew Epperly, and Mae Kingrea. She was also preceded in death by her special sister-in-law, “Tootie”. Mama and Tootie spent lots of time around the table over the years drinking coffee and enjoying delicious meals like chicken and dumplings and Mama’s favorite – gravy biscuits. She was also preceded in death by many special sisters and brothers-in-law, whom she cherished. She felt very fortunate to have married into such a loving Christian family.
Mama is survived by her daughters, Sheila Early and Cheryl Boley (Jimmy); grandchildren, Heather Early (Bobby), Brandy Stiltner (Matt), Randall Womack (Larissa); sister-in-law, Emily “Judy” Hart (Joel); great-grandchildren, Erin Bartley, Emma Mills, Kelly Dale Mills, Katie Womack, Kam Womack, Issac Stiltner, Christian Stiltner, Eli Stiltner, McKinley Vandyke, and Alex Flint; great-great-grandchildren, Daemien Fleetwood, Davina Fleetwood, Ashton Vandyke, and Spencer Groah.
She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews with a special place in her heart for Sharon Rakes and Teresa Sowers, who held a particularly cherished place in her life.
The family would also like to thank her many precious caregivers and staff at Kroontje (Cove) especially Shawn, Teresa, Katelyn, Jennifer, Connie, Becky, Kelli, Everett, and all who assisted in her care.
Mama loved her church and while flowers are appreciated, donations to North Fork Baptist Church at 1436 Jennelle Road, Blacksburg, VA or American Heart Association as Mama received two heart valve replacements in her later years would also be appreciated.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Pastor Danny Collins officiating. Interment will follow in the North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 pm Saturday, November 7, 2026, at McCoy Funeral Home.
