Clara M. Eppley

CLARA M. EPPLEY, a resident of The Inn of Freedom Square, in Seminole, Florida, and formerly of Emigsville and Newberrytown, Pennsylvania, after a prolonged illness, peacefully transitioned from earthly cares on January 6, 2009, at the age of 86. The widow of US Army Reserve General Vernon M. Eppley, Mrs. Eppley was born in DeKalb County, Illinois, on April 1, 1922 to Elzina and Owen Barnett. As a member of the US Coast Guard, Mrs. Eppley served in the Armed Forces of the United States during World War II and met her husband in San Francisco, California, when he was a US Army Artilleryman. The Eppleys lived in Heidelberg, Germany in the 1950's and traveled throughout the globe, including a nostalgic journey to China. An accomplished hair stylist, golfer, homemaker, and humorist, Mrs. Eppley was widely known for her rare insightful humor. A nephew is quoted as saying: "If Clara spoke for more than 3 minutes, her listener would surely succumb to a smile, a chuckle or outright laughter at her wry humor. You'd never hear her complain. She had little patience for braggers or show-offs. Her giving heart and trademark humility endeared her to all who had the privilege of being in her company." Surviving Mrs. Eppley are her brother and sister-in-law Donald and Mary Barnett of Interlaken, Florida, sister and brother-in-law Orabell and Peter Paul Nickley of Yucca Valley, California, Sister-in-law Ruby Eppley of Clearwater, Florida, sister-in-law Ida Eppley of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, sister-in-law Evelyn Criswell of Fishertown, Pennsylvania, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and grand nephews. Mrs. Eppley's family wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the exemplary sensitive and competent care of the Florida Suncoast Hospice of Clearwater, Florida; Granny Nannies of St. Petersburg, and the staff of Freedom Square at Seminole. A funeral service will be held at the Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church at 3455 26th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, Florida on Monday, February 9 at 1 pm with Pastor Rickey Houston presiding. A remembrance visitation will be held immediately before the church service at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow a chapel service and burial with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, March 20 beginning at 11 am. Arrangements are by Anderson McQueen, 7820 - 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida, 727 347-6636.