Huntsville, Texas - Ruby Lee Epps was born on June 5, 1939, in Marshall, Texas, to the late Edgar Nero and Ophelia Nero. She was raised in a loving, faith-filled home where the values of hard work, family, and service to God were deeply rooted. From an early age, Ruby accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with Piney Grove Church in the Piney Grove Community of Harrison County, Texas. Her commitment to faith and family would become the cornerstone of her life.

Throughout her years, Ruby served faithfully in the church and community. She was an active member of Piney Grove Church, where she participated in the Choir and Hospitality Committee, and joyfully supported the church's youth and outreach ministries.

Ruby received her early education in Harrison County Schools and went on to graduate from Pemberton High School. She later pursued her passion for fashion. Her compassion and dedication made her a blessing to all who encountered her both professionally and personally after graduating from Prairie View A&M in 1963.

On October 8, 1963, Ruby was united in holy matrimony to the former Walker County Agent, Hugh Lee Epps, Jr. and together they built a loving home in Huntsville, Texas grounded in faith, laughter, and mutual respect. To this union, 3 children were born. As a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas, she was known for her creative spirit, dedication and generous heart. Ruby often helped with church events, fellowshipped, and visited the sick and shut-in when needed, sharing her radiant smile and unwavering faith.Ruby's greatest joy was her family, and she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who always found time to pray, cook, and nurture those she loved. Her home was a place of warmth, wisdom, and welcome to all.

Ruby's talents extended beyond her home and church. She had a gift for gardening, sewing, teaching, mentoring, and cooking; she often shared the fruits of her labor with neighbors and friends. She believed that love was best shown through service, and she lived out that truth daily. Her kindness, strength, and sense of humor touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on her community.

Ruby departed this life peacefully on October 16, 2025, at approximately 8:38 p.m., surrounded by family and the comforting presence of God's love. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nero; two siblings, Louis Calvin Burns and Evan Burns; her sisters-in-law, Bessie Colvin, Earner Burns, and Marie Burns; and three brothers-in-law, Rosevelt Colvin, Joe Hubbard Epps, and Artis Hurd.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her husband, Hugh Lee Epps, Jr, daughter, Ruquanda Epps-Primas (Quentin); two sons, De-Marquis Epps (Devona) and Derricus Epps (LaKeasha); grandchildren: Zolan Primas, Zoi Primas, Camron Epps (Irene), Jeffery Rooks, Taylor Rooks, Shayla Henderson, and Bobby Henderson; one great-grandchildren, Winter Rooks,Preston Williams and Jeffery Rooks; two brothers-in-law, Robert Epps (Helen) and Joseph Epps (Evelyn), one sister-in-law, Doris Hurd and many more children she lovingly raised and nurtured from birth; Therell Burns, Thaddeus Burns, Kay Francis Burns, Jacquelin Lopes, Annette Reed, Deborah Nixon, Denelia Nixon, Donna Lynn Nix, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends who will forever remember her love, laughter, and faith.

Ruby's life was a testimony of unwavering faith, gentle strength, and deep compassion. Though her earthly journey has ended, her light continues to shine through the lives of those she touched as Coach Epps, Mrs. Ruby, Ruby Epps, Aunt Ruby, Meme and Momma. Her legacy of love, family, and faith will live on for generations to come. Well done. Well done. Good and faithful servant.