Bessie “Tootie” Epperly went to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, October 4, 2026. She was preceded in death by her precious sweetheart, “Buster”; granddaughter, Nina; and great-grandson, Zachary. She was also preceded in death by her special “Aunt Lill” who raised her. She was also preceded by her two siblings, Hazel and Lura. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Drosick (friend, Irvine); son, Larry A. Epperly; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Phala Shepheard; two half-sisters, Linda Linkous (Wayne), and Pat Linkous; three half-brothers, Tony Lovern (Sandy), Ward Lovern (Kate) and Sonnie Lovern. She was greatly blessed with their prayers, visits, and music. Tootie is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly. Also surviving her is her sister-in-law, Marie Morris who shared many cups of coffee and tomato biscuits at Tootie’s table, as well as the ones she considered family, “Angels”, Cheryl and Jimmy Boley, Teresa Sowers, and Sheila Early. Tootie made friends wherever she went and will be missed by all who knew her. She always had a smile for everyone, even as her health deteriorated. Many thanks go to all family and friends who visited with Tootie often, she enjoyed those visits greatly. Special thanks to her wonderful caregivers, friends and Shawn (her hair consultant) at Kroontje Health Care Center. Tootie loved and appreciated the care she was given. Much love to her roommates, Candy and Betty, who brought happiness to her each day she shared with them. The family would also like to thank Warm Hearth at home hospice for their care of Tootie in her final days. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Gary Rorrer officiating. Interment will follow in the North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home.
