Visitation

Jan. 23, 2025
11 a.m. - noon

Service

Jan. 23, 2025
noon

Committal

Jan. 23, 2025

Granny Ruth McMahan Epley, 92 of Morganton, NC passed away, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born on June 2, 1932 in Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Wilks and Mae McMahan. Ruth was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church where she loved serving the Lord. She enjoyed fishing, flowers, and woodworking, but her greatest joy was being Granny to all. Granny always looked for the best in everyone and always had a smile on her face. She was a great cook, and her family loved her biscuits and gravy and potato soup. Granny loved her family with all her heart. She always taught her family that if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right and that is how she lived her life.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Judy Epley Roberts and Peggy Epley Whalen; grandchildren, Dustin Epley (Jessica), Cody Epley, Chastity Edney Stapleton (Jethro), Jonathan Whalen (Brenna), Fred Whalen (Hollis), and Emily Connelly; great-grandchildren, Reid, Mack, Ayden, Avery, Hayden, Kathryn, and Whitley; brother, Charlie McMahan; sisters, Sally Phillips and Lettie Hoglen; daughter-in-law, Caroline Epley; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Granny was preceded in death by her husband, Mackie “Mack” Epley; son, Randy Epley; brothers, Carl, Wayne, and Floyd McMahan; and sisters, Bessie Wright and Evelyn Dalton.

The family will receive friends from 11am until noon, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at El Bethel Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at noon in the sanctuary with the Rev. Justin Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her beloved church, El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tribute Wall

Leave a tribute for Granny Ruth McMahan Epley.

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Just wanted you both to know I am so sorry for your loss. Will always cherish our many memories as family and neighbors growing up. Your mom was a very Godly woman and I am sure there is celebration in Heaven right now as she is reunited with other family and friends. Sorry I didn't hear of her passing in time to be there for you both, but. know prayers and love are coming your way.

—To: Judy and Peggy

Dear Family, God claimed one of his angels. She was one of the very few people I've had the pleasure of knowing , that is truly genuine. She was one of God's angels, good to everyone and always showed her love. May God hold each one of your hands as you go forward, Granny will be smiling on you, while she is resting.

—Jan Whetsitne
—To: Judy and Peggy

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mama, Doris, and I are all praying for you. So many good memories we have. We pray that God wrap you in His loving arms and hold you up during this time.

—Susan P Ingram

To Judy and Peggy so sorry for the loss of your mom God gave her a long life and you are so blessed to have her for continue direction for your life she was such a Godly woman she made a lasting impact on my life and I know many others have the same thoughts as I , so Jesus said be of good cheer for I have over come the world God bless you all

—Herb Dills

We are so sorry.. Ruth was so special to everyone.. May Gods loving arms give you comfort now as in days ahead .. love and prayers and Big Hugs Diane Steve Rhodes

—Diane Rhodes
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My condolences to the family. Praying for you during this time, as I know it is hard. I had the privilege of being with her a few times and just loved her sweet spirit. She was quite a lady. She will be missed, but what hope we have in knowing that she is with her Lord and all who know Him as their personal Lord and Savior, will see her again. Blessings to you all.

—Tess Snyder

Peggy Poo...I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet mama. I know you loved her dearly and I'm so glad you were able to be with her through all of this. God works in amazing ways, doesn't He? I'm sending you big love and hugs with prayers for your heart to be comforted. Love - Becky

—Becky Harris
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Judy, You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers. May God wrap His healing arms around all of you. Love you, Tanya

—Tanya Wise
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Judy and Chasity my heart is with you both, your mother and grandmother Blessed every life she touched including mine and God just called home one of His many Angels here on earth... Ruth you will be awfully missed, but I will see you again soon. Until another time, From my heart to all of yours much Love and Many Blessings...

—Paris E. Turner Sr., Clarissa "Autumn" Turner
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