Etta Marie Epperson, 96, of Blessing, Texas went peacefully to be with the Lord on October 11, 2013. She was born June 9, 1917 in Pickering, Louisiana. She was a Founding member of the First Baptist Church of Blessing and was the oldest living member of the congregation. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 125 of Palacios. Her project as Worthy Matron was to provide crocheted hats to M.D. Anderson cancer patients, a custom that has lasted over 58 years. The Blessing Kiwanis Club presented her with an "Outstanding Citizens" award in 1976 for her contributions to the community and church. One of her greatest joys was owning and operating Etta's Beauty Shop in Blessing, a career that lasted over 60 years. Many wonderful and lasting friendships were formed throughout those years.
She is survived by her daughter Ginger Zemanek and son-in-law Victor Joe Zemanek of Granbury, TX, grandsons Sammy Powell of Buda, TX, Greg Zemanek and wife Libby of Dallas, TX, granddaughters Samantha Franzen and husband Deril of Collegeport, TX, Tracy Lipperdt and husband Glenn of Keller, TX, great granddaughters Stephanie Busby and husband Brian of Collegeport, TX, Savannah Moeller and husband Jeff of Collegeport, TX, great grandsons, Tyler and Parker Lipperdt of Keller, TX, Victor John and Willis Zemanek of Dallas, TX, great- great grandson, Reese Busby of Collegport, TX, and a host of nieces and nephews. Etta was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Willis Epperson of Blessing, daughter Tommye Raye Powell, sisters Ruth Spain and Ethel Perkins and brothers Frank, Hermes, Ray, Willis, and Manny Nash.
The family will receive visitors from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, October 13, 2013 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Monday, October 14, 2013 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas with Brother Bill Hill officiating. Interment will follow at the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, TX. Pallbearers will be Victor Joe Zemanek, Sammy Powell, Greg Zemanek, Deril Franzen, Glenn Lipperdt, and Tyler Lipperdt.