Claudette

Epps

Safely in the arms of her Heavenly Father, Claudette Epps, affectionately known as "Momma Epps," peacefully transitioned from this earthly realm on September 23, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Claudette was the middle child of three, born to the union of Pearlie and Addie Mae (Chavis) Thomas. Claudette's parents were from Darlington County, South Carolina. As a young man, Pearlie and his brothers would spend the summers in New York City working various jobs. In 1929, after Pearlie and Addie Mae were married, they ventured North to begin their new life together and settled in Harlem, New York, where Claudette was born and raised. "Smoke," as she was affectionately called by her father, had a sister Helen and a brother, Lloyd Thomas, Sr. According to Helen, her younger sister was a "beautiful baby." Claudette was educated in the New York Public School system and graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1953. While in school, Claudette ran track for the New York City Police Athletic League, where she excelled in the 100m, 400m, and 800m sprints, leaving all of her competitors in a cloud of "Smoke." Upon graduation, Claudette entered the workforce working for the United States Government on Governors Island. Claudette was later employed as an Administrative Assistant for both a medical office and a large brand name furniture distributor (Huffman Koos). She was a dedicated worker who was widely respected throughout her entire professional career. Claudette loved hanging out with her girlfriends. The "Cohassetts," as they called themselves, would frequent different social venues, always glamorously dressed. It was at one of Claudette's favorite social hangouts, "The Roma Garden," where she met her tall and handsome husband Robert Epps, Sr. According to one of her many close friends, it was truly love at first sight for Claudette. Claudette and Robert were married on April 16, 1966 in Riverside, CT and they had two children, Robert Michael Epps, Jr. and Gregory Kenneth Epps, to which they proudly would refer to as "Their Boys." In 1971, having spent her childhood and young adult years in Harlem, Claudette and Robert packed up their apartment on 116th street and migrated their family across "The Bridge" to make Englewood, NJ their new home. Claudette was the matriarch of the Epps household. While being a nurturing stay at home mom and a staunch & supportive wife and Grandmother, Claudette still found time to relax and chat with both family and friends - this was very important to her. She really found enjoyment reminiscing and sharing stories with her brother, Lloyd and sister, Helen. They would share stories of the times spent in Harlem and somehow that "stoop" on 116th drifted into the conversation with lots of laughter. This pleasant exchange of memories was usually conducted with their favorite adult beverage in hand. Claudette also enjoyed Pokeno - she loved it when it was her turn to host. This was her time with the "Ladies." She loved cooking and preparing food for game night and holiday gatherings with the family. Claudette also found peace working in her garden and helping her beloved husband with yard work. When Claudette and Robert had their night on the town, Claudette would throw on her nicely fitted dress, her highest of heeled shoes and her warm and comfy fur coat. Paired with her always handsome mate, the couple resembled movie stars. Claudette was a basketball, baseball, and football mom way before it was "a thing." She found joy in driving her sons to all of their sports practices and games. She was their number one fan. After Robert, Sr. passed away in 1991, Claudette continued to raise and nurture her young adult sons in true "Mommy Fashion." She would always leave encouraging notes or newspaper clippings on her sons' pillows, the refrigerator, and throughout the house; it was her way of reiterating a life lesson or giving them some encouragement. Claudette's role as Grandma was something to see. She always had snacks for her three grandchildren. Grandma Epps had a way to get them to eat a variety of meals. If she could not convince them to eat beets, chicken cacciatore, or water chestnuts, she always had a backup meal ready. Claudette enjoyed and loved her grandchildren immensely and they loved her just as much. She made it a priority to attend all their educational milestones and award ceremonies. Claudette loved being a grandmother. Claudette was a faithful woman who loved the Lord as she attended the West Side Worship Center COGOP in Englewood, NJ. Claudette leaves behind to cherish her memories two sons, R. Michael Epps, Jr. of Waterbury, CT and Gregory Kenneth (Anissa) Epps of Wylie, TX. Three grandchildren, Essien Epps of Bayonne, NJ; Femi Imani Epps of Wylie, TX and Jaiden Michael Epps of Waterbury, CT. One sister, Helen (Eugene, Sr.) Jordan of McCormick, SC, and a sister-in-law Delores (Lloyd, Sr.) Thomas of Loganville, GA. One aunt, Thelma Ruby Chavis of St. Albans, NY, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Claudette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert Epps, Sr.; a brother Lloyd Thomas, Sr., and brother-in-law Eugene Jordan, Sr.