Suzanne Epps

Suzanne Homeyer Epps, beloved mother and grandmother, 95, of Houston, passed away peacefully Friday, September 10, 2021, surrounded by her children. Suzanne was born on December 30, 1925, in Robstown, Texas.

Suzanne attended University of Texas at age 15, where she was initiated in Chi Omega Sorority. She met her husband, Jim, a WWII naval aviator, at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station and married him in 1944. After the war, the couple settled in Houston and opened Epps Supermarkets, a grocery business. Suzanne acted as CFO and was eventually responsible for seven corporations. The grocery business was sold in 1970. Suzanne and Jim purchased a ranch in Centerville, Texas in 1963, raising cattle and horses. Jim passed away in 1982.

Suzanne became involved in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) in the early 1960’s. She focused her efforts on various committees, putting her organizational and sales savvy to work on the Ladies’ Season Box, Breeder Greeters, Ladies’ Souvenir Program and International Committees. In 1993, she was elected as the first female Vice President in HLSR history, serving three one-year terms, ending in 1995. The highlight of 1995 was the unveiling of the HLSR’s newest bronze statue, entitled “Yes,” depicting a young female rodeo participant holding up a ribbon. The statue was dedicated to Suzanne. In 2020, she was nominated to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth.

Suzanne made her home in Houston and The Woodlands, and split her time between her home and the family ranch. Suzanne was an avid tennis competitor, playing until she was 80, a world traveler, a keen bridge player and lover of books. The working ranch continues to be the favorite place for family gatherings. In 2020, she moved to The Tradition on Buffalo Speedway, an assisted living facility in Houston to be closer to her family.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her father and mother, Charles and Beulah Homeyer, older brother Hayden, and husband, James C. Epps, Jr. Those left to remember and honor her include her children: James C. Epps, III. (Linda); Susan Epps Pierce (Mike); and Laura Epps Jesberg (Bill). She was a devoted "Mimi" to her grandchildren: Kevin Epps (Amber), Ryan Epps (Kristin), Meredith Pierce Hayden (Kyle), Matthew Jesberg (Christina) and Jordan Jesberg, and six great-grandchildren, Austin, Brandon and Owen Epps, Pierce and Jackson Hayden and Gavin Jesberg.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests contributions in her name be directed to the HLSR Educational Fund, attn: Kimberly Lee, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, TX 77225 or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm Saturday, April 2, 2022, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church for all who loved her to gather and remember her fondly. Address: 3471 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027