Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Betty Jean Chisolm Terry Epps

4/13/1941 - 9/2/2025

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Obituary For Mrs. Betty Jean Chisolm Terry Epps

Mrs. Betty Jean Chisolm Terry Epps, 84, was born to Nellie Mae Chisolm on April 13, 1941 in Mabscott, WV, she passed Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Betty attended Morton Reeves Elementary School and graduated from Stratton High School in 1959.

Betty was married to Lawatha Terry until his death August 28, 1971 and later married Willie Epps on November 8, 1985. They remained married until his death on January 14, 2018.

Betty worked as a sewing machine operator at the Nemo Sewing Factory for five years and later worked as a dietary aide at Pine Lodge Nursing Home, until at the age of 62. she retired after 27 years of service.

Betty joined Welcome Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Archie Johnson, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Kitchen Committee and sang in the church choir. She has also attended Primitive Baptist Church for a short time. Before becoming sick, she regularly attended Heart of God Ministries and enjoyed the livestream when her health didn’t allow her to attend.

Betty, in addition to her mother and husbands, was preceded in death by one sister, Susie Smith; grandmother, Susie Chisolm Young; aunt, Mary; uncle, Lum Estes; nephew, Melvin Hodge and grandson, Rasheed Gore.

Betty leaves to cherish precious memories her daughters, Rita Terry McDaniel of Chester, VA and Aretha Terry Jackson of Walkertown, NC; son, Kevin L. Gore of Beckley, WV; sister, Middie B. Hodge of Columbus, OH; 9grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and several close dedicated friends

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, September 12, 2025 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

To livestream visit heartofgodministrieswv.org.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

09/17/2025

Eileen and Clifford

To the Epps family. You have our deepest condolences and prayers. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington family
09/11/2025

Trisha Banks-Copney

"I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of my dear friend Betty Epps. She brought so much joy and kindness too me and I will cherish the memories we shared and hold them close in my heart." Aretha you and your family will be in my prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾
09/11/2025

Larry Hoskins
09/05/2025

Sherrie and Dominic Copney

Aretha may God give you His peace during this difficult time. Know that I am praying for you and the family 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
09/04/2025

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church - Winston-Salem, NC

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. May the God of all grace richly bless you as you mourn and may the light of His presence be a continual source of consolation. Dr. Berry Bereavement Ministry Servant-Leader Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Winston-Salem, NC