Alice Vanilla Epps

The Life of Alice Vanilla Sims Epps

Alice Vanilla Sims was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on May 29, 1933.  She was the sixth child, third daughter of Gillie Cunningham Sims and Malissie Blanchard Sims. Alice grew up during the Great Depression and World War II so life in Tupelo was hard.  She attended Lane Chapel Methodist Church and finished George Washington Carver High School.  After high school, Alice left Tupelo and went to live with her sister Ruth in New York City (NYC). There she met the love of her life, Milton Wallace Epps, at the Beaux Arts Ball.  Alice and Milton dated (went to dances, played handball, attended movies) and were married on June 30, 1952, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. The couple had three girls: Gail Alice, Denise Elizabeth, and Pamela Lee Epps.

Alice converted to Episcopalism and was confirmed at St. Luke’s and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, NY. She worked as a stationary business worker, school crossing guard, Meter Maid, Post Office worker, and Supervisor for the Parking Enforcement Agents for the New York City Traffic Department. After retiring, she and Milton moved to Toms River, New Jersey (NJ).  During their time in NJ, Alice and Milton traveled a great deal: Alaska, Hawaii, Atlanta, cruises, and Atlantic City. Also during this time, they had fun with their grandson, Darrius Langston Glover, gardened extensively, completed ceramic projects and were members of Christ Episcopal Church.

On October 20, 1994, Milton lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Afterwards, Alice survived breast cancer and decided to move to Connecticut with Nise.  A survivor, Alice loved jigsaw puzzles, attended Grace Episcopal Church, listened to music, and enjoyed Tux (the Labradoodle). She has traveled over the years to Japan, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, and China. 

Alice departed this life at home in Glenn Dale, Maryland, on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Her memory will be cherished by her daughters: Gail Alice Epps Rowe and Denise Elizabeth Epps; grandson, Darrius Langston Glover; son-in-law, Kirby Jerome Rowe; brother, Luther Cunningham Sims; nieces, Mrs. Gloria Joyce Washington (Mr. William Washington), Dr. Lisa Layne, and Mrs. April Epps Palmieri (Mr. Alberico Palmieri). Survivors also include a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, other relatives and delightful friends.