Irma Epps

Irma Houts Epps, 92, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 on the farm built by her father, James Earl Houts.

Born on September 18, 1927, she spent her childhood in Poplar Bluff before marrying her late husband Grady Epps.  Together they traveled the world as Mr. Epps built oil refineries while Mrs. Epps raised a family, worked as a Registered Nurse and collected art and items for her museum which she built on the farm during her retirement.

Mrs. Epps enjoyed conducting tours of her museum to the area schools and organizations.  Aside from her museum, she wrote a cookbook to share her adventures around the world.  Mrs. Epps was also known for her polarizing “Letters to the Editor” in the Poplar Bluff newspaper.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Poplar Bluff.

Irma was the last surviving child of the late James Earl Houts and mother, Pearl Sparkman Houts and preceded by her siblings; James, Mavis, Venable, Betty Jo, Paul, Ina Louise, Elizabeth, Farris and John.

Mrs. Epps is survived by her two sons, David (Ann) Epps of Dexter and Donald Epps of Poplar Bluff and daughter, Janis (Ronney) Wassenaar of Denver, Colorado; and four grandchildren Michael Hamilton, Corey Hamilton, Beta Epps and Lani Epps.

Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, the family wishes to postpone the memorial service until further notice. For lasting memorials, please make donations to  First Presbyterian Church, 301 N Main St, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.