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“Well done good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23

Surrounded by her loving family, Martha Constance Mock Moss Epperson went home to be with her Lord on September 28, 2024 at Ivy Hall Nursing Home following her five-year battle with ovarian cancer. Martha lived a life that fulfilled the two greatest commandments – loving the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, strength, and mind and loving her neighbors as herself.

Martha was born to Spencer and Elizabeth Mock on July 29, 1951. She was their only child and their masterpiece. From her early youth she took care of her family and aunts and uncles throughout their lives. As she grew, so did her positive influence on those around her in the community.

After graduating with honors as part of Elizabethton High School’s mythic Class of 1969, Martha earned both her BA and MA degree at ETSU, also graduating with honors. She touched and helped guide many students’ lives as the School Psychologist for Carter County Schools for 18 years and later as the Guidance Counselor for T.A. Dugger Junior High School and Happy Valley High School before retiring after 30 years working in her profession.

She was a life-long dedicated member of First United Methodist Church and at one time or another was an integral part of nearly every church committee. She set the standard for church dinners and homecomings, taught Sunday School, and made sure the homebound members knew they were never forgotten with her many visits and cards to them.

Martha’s friendships encompassed people from all walks of life. From the moment she met someone, she became a “best friend” because of her ability to make each acquaintance feel loved and valued. She enjoyed spending long hours on the phone with people and also being with them at everything from small get togethers to mile-marking class reunions. She cherished her friends; constantly celebrating all of them at every stage of their lives, NEVER missing an opportunity to entertain. From wedding showers to baby showers, birthday celebrations to consoling the bereaved and broken-hearted. Her talents in the kitchen were celebrated by anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table. Martha was always there lighting up the darkest moments or making the best of times better whether she was hosting luncheons or just “a little gathering.” Martha loved to cook and she never did things the easy way, especially when it came to her delicious, elaborate desserts. She tweaked every dish to make it unique. When she was invited to a gathering, she always showed up with a lovely cake to top off the occasion.

A creative perfectionist, Martha worked tirelessly infusing everything she did with beauty that added immeasurably to the lives of those around her. Nowhere was this more evident than at her home which was full of her creativity. Throughout her house are treasured handmade things which have special meaning, such as cross-stitched samplers, needlepoint, embroidery, and crewel. Martha also graciously shared her handwork with friends.

Martha lived a life with faith, kindness, beauty, and courage that will be forever remembered by all who loved her, especially her children and grandchildren to whom she was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Merry Lee Schaff and Frank, Elizabethton, Tenn.; son, Mr. Lexie C. Moss IV and Davia, Lake Mary, Fla.; step-daughter, Mrs. Julianne Arvizu and Jamie, Skokie, Ill.; step-son, Lanny Epperson Jr., Greenwich, Conn.; step-son, Remzi Epperson, Fleetwood, N.Y.; grandchildren, William George Schaff III, Robert Johnson “John” Schaff, and Matthew Harrison Schaff, Elizabethton, Tenn., Lexie Elizabeth Moss, Lake Mary, Fla., Ben, Evan, Will Arvizu, Skokie, Ill., Jocelyn and Savannah Epperson, Greenwich, Conn.; and the father of her children, Lexie C. Moss III.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lanny Epperson, and step-son, Lee Epperson, Richardson, Texas.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, Tenn.

The celebration of Martha’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 12, at First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton with Reverend Robert Countiss, D.Min. and Reverend Raymond Amos Sr. officiating. Live streaming is available at fumcelizabethton.com. Music will be under the direction of Catherine Edwards-Bunton with David Arney and Susan Heaton along with special music by the Arvizu family, Teresa Bowers Parker, and the FUMC Chancel Choir. 

The graveside service will follow at the Mausoleum Chapel at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Will Schaff, John Schaff, Matthew Schaff, Ben Arvizu, Will Arvizu, Jacob McMillan and Morgan Moss. Honorary pallbearers are Mike McMillan, Richard Tetrick, Chuck Gavin, Tom McGlothlin, Joe Slaughter, and Jeff Jeffers. Special friends of Martha’s were Boone Lake friends, Class of 1969 classmates, Mahjong group, FUMC church family, past and present United Methodist Women, The Yaya’s, F Street neighbors, Carter County and Elizabethton School colleagues, the Moss family, the Mock family, the Hancock family, and the Epperson family. Special thanks to Dr. Tumkur, Abby Harris and the staff at Tennessee Cancer Specialists; Dr. Whitney Graybill; Dr. Keith Cook; and Judy Deloach, Tiffany Taylor Jenkins, and the staff of Ivy Hall for their compassionate and excellent care of Martha. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and The Gideons International. Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Epperson family.  Office Phone (423) 542-2232.