Stella Mae Epps

Stella Mae Harmon Epps, 81, formerly of Waterloo, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Western Home Communities. She was born June 1, 1942, in Mississippi, the daughter of Charlie and Ada Carr Harmon. Stella came to Waterloo as a young girl and graduated from Waterloo East High School. She married George Epps, and the couple was blessed with seven children and her main life focus was caring for her family.

Stella joined Christ at an early age while attending Payne AME Church. Later in life she attended St. John's Green House Ministries. Stella was a spiritual woman who got straight to the point and told it like it was. She was a great cook who enjoyed soul food cooking and hosting family for holiday events. Stella was a very giving person who was always serving others. She was a funny, witty woman who would light up a room just by being there. Stella is especially remembered as loving to talk on the telephone.

Stella is survived by her children, Vanessa Epps of Waterloo, Sidney (Linda) Epps of Fayetteville, NC, Kornell (Wendy) Epps of Waterloo, Faye (Tony) French of Cedar Falls, Josette Bates of Waterloo, George (Heather) Epps Jr. of Waterloo, and Telly (Nikki) Epps of Waterloo; seventeen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings Charlie (Judy) Harmon and Susie Harmon, both of Colorado Springs, and Bettie Harmon of Waterloo; half-sister Nina (Willie) Roby of Sallis, MS; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and siblings Herman Harmon, Carrie Buckley, Francis Phillips, Roscoe Harmon, and Hattie Harmon.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family will greet friends Monday, April 29, 2024, from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Memorials should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.

The family wishes to thank Western Home Communities and St. Croix Hospice for Stella's care.