Janice Short Epperson

Janice Leigh Short Epperson, beloved mom, mimi, wife, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on August 12, 2023, surrounded by her adoring family.

Jan was born in Surry County on June 11, 1957, to the late Coy Ulysses and Mildred Caudle Short. The baby of the family, she had her parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles wrapped around her finger. From early childhood until the end of her life, she was the most easygoing, adventurous, fun-loving (and sometimes mischievous!) person we knew.

Jan’s life and career were largely spent in service of others, first and foremost in the home as the best mom in the world; then as a passionate elementary school teacher; a devoted daughter and caregiver for over 10 years; and most recently, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a Mimi and caring for her first granddaughter in the first two years of her life. Mimi found no greater joy than in serving those she loved.

Jan was fiercely independent, brave, resilient, and deeply rooted in her unwavering faith. She was selfless and endlessly humble, always quick to listen and slow to speak, and almost never angry or resentful, regardless of any challenges or hardships she faced. We’re comforted in knowing that she was most certainly met with a triumphant, “well done, my good and faithful servant” from our Heavenly Father.

Left to forever cherish her memory are her husband, Steve Epperson of Pilot Mountain; her two children and their spouses, Blake (Sarah) Sawyers, and Kelsey (Bren) Lamont of Durham; her two granddaughters and the joy of her life, Virginia Gray and Ann Jansen Sawyers; her siblings, Dianne Hunter of Hilton Head, SC, James Coy Short (Linda) of King, and Marilyn Cook (Jerry) of Wilmington; along with Craig and Tara Epperson of Bristol, TN; nephews Neal (Grete) Gower of Hilton Head, SC, and Nathan (Jacey) Henderson of Wilmington. She’d also want us to mention her favorite granddog, Rory Lamont, too. Jan was immensely blessed to love and be loved by more special friends and extended family members than could be counted. Gentle and compassionate caregivers, hospice nurses, and aides assisted the family in the final months of Jan’s life, and they are deeply grateful to each of those individuals.

Jan’s family will welcome friends and loved ones on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 4pm to 5pm at First United Methodist Church in Pilot Mountain. A service will follow at 5pm in the sanctuary, with the Rev. Jeremy Pegram officiating. Memorials may be made to The ALS Association of North Carolina, 4 N Blount Street, #200, Raleigh, NC 27601. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Moody Funeral Service of Mount Airy, NC.

Live streaming for the memorial service will be available at First United Methodist Church (www.fumcpm.com).