Ilene Epps

Ilene Epps, age 89, formerly of Lorain, peacefully passed away on April 14, 2026. Born in 1937 in Lorain, she was the cherished daughter of Willie Epps and Sally Epps (née Brandford).

Ilene was a proud attendee of Lorain High School and carried with her a lifelong appreciation for simple joys and meaningful connections. She found great happiness in gathering with friends over games of bingo and spirited rounds of bid whist. Her warmth and steady presence were also felt in her years of service as a nursing assistant at Oakhills Nursing Home, where she cared for others with compassion and dedication.

In her leisure time, Ilene enjoyed immersing herself in her favorite television programs, including Murder, She Wrote, NCIS, and Law & Order, and she was an avid reader who rarely missed a good book. Above all, she treasured her family. Her life was richly defined by the love she shared with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She made lasting memories during her yearly visits to Georgia, where she eventually made her home in 2023.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Sally Epps; and her siblings, Orabell Chambers, Evelyn Jean Stevens, Lloyd Epps, Arnold Epps Sr., Vincent Epps, Dorothy Thomas, and Resna Cheers.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved sister, Alberta Epps; her six children, Sandy (Bob) Jackson, John Boone Epps, Sharon (Gary) Rivers, Melanie Epps Parker, Gary Epps, and William Epps; as well as 16 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life.

Ilene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of family, and the joy she found in life’s everyday moments.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home & Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain OH 44053. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.