Kathleen “Mama Ep” (Fryar) Epley, 69, passed away Friday, August 1, 2025. She will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 4, 2025, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and the Visitation will be held that same evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 1:00Continue Reading
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Kathleen “Mama Ep” (Fryar) Epley, 69, passed away Friday, August 1, 2025. She will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 4, 2025, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and the Visitation will be held that same evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.
Mama Ep was born on April 17, 1956, in Big Spring, TX, to Travis Don and Barbara Dell (Monroe) Fryar.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, J Loyd Epley; daughter, Amanda Olson (Chris); sons, Justin Epley, Andy Epley (Margaret), and Micah Epley (Heather); grandchildren, Abigail Olson, Allie Olson, Nick Wilson (Bree), Megan Pollard (Ryan),Paysen Epley, Gracen Epley, and Kenzie Epley; great-grandchild, Stryker; a very special uncle and aunt, Freddie and Jimmie Sue Blackwell; sister, Debra Calobreves (Bill); brother-in-law, Mike Epley (Wendy); sister-in-law, Karon Fryar (Terry); step-mom, Shirley Fryar; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Mama Ep was preceded in death by her parents; and father and mother-in-law, Cecil and Beverly Epley.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley, please visit our Tribute Store.
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9 trees were planted in memory of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley 
Karrie Cook, Cheryl Sherley, Kelley Williams
left a message on August 4, 2025:
We are truly so sorry for your loss, we loved Kathy so much she was an amazing person. The world was better b/c she was in it.
Rhonda Hayes
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Condolences and prayers for Kathy and her family. She will be missed.
Psyche Yabes and Family
left a message on August 5, 2025:
I’m deeply saddened to hear of her passing. She was such a sweet soul, and I’ll truly miss seeing her lovely face at the volleyball and basketball games. Her warm smile and the way she always waved at me from the stands meant more than she probably knew. She brought so much light and love to those moments. May she rest in peace, and may her memory continue to shine in all the lives she touched.
CeCe Bridges
left a message on August 4, 2025:
Sending with our love and prayers. CeCe ( aunt) and Steve Bridges
Purple Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by CeCe Bridges. Send Flowers
CeCe Bridges
left a message on August 4, 2025:
I am sending my love to all of you J Amanda Justin Andy Micah and Debra. I am at loss for words to express how sad I feel for your loss of the sweetest woman I have know and to the best wife mother gran and sister.
My heart aches with the grief I feel and can just imagine how each of you feel. 😰🙏✝️
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Janet Lewis
left a message on August 4, 2025:
Jay and family, our deepest condolences for the loss of Kathy. She was a longtime friend to our family.
Bill and Janet (Ellis) Lewis
Joshua Paredez and family
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Forever grateful for ya Mama Ep! We love ya
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by Joshua Paredez and family. Send Flowers
James and Cheryl Davis
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Our deepest sympathy to every one of the Epley family. May she rest in peace and may God comfort each and every family member and friends.
Derrill & Cherie Pope
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Epley family. May God help you find comfort in this difficult time.
John and Shane Reese
left a message on August 3, 2025:
For the mother that was and has always been there for myself and many other of her kids. You will always be in our hearts. Love
Bountiful Rose Basket was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by John and Shane Reese. Send Flowers
Terry and Glenda McDonald
left a message on August 3, 2025:
So sorry for your loss. Mama Ep was one of a kind. She will be greatly missed.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by Terry and Glenda McDonald. Send Flowers
Darla Earnest Lynch
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Kathy and I were best friends since elementary school at Forsan. Anywhere you saw her you saw me! I was at her house a lot!! We had many fun slumber parties!! Cheerleading, basketball, student clubs we were a part of it all. We have remained friends for over 50 years. I loved and will miss you….. Until we meet again my friend ❤️
Debbie Ray
left a message on August 3, 2025:
We send our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Kathy was a precious soul and a wonderful friend to so many. Our prayers are with you all. Debbie, Joey and family, Jenny and family.
Linda Kaye Stallings
left a message on August 3, 2025:
In loving memory of your mother.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley . Plant a Tree
Erin Reeh
left a message on August 3, 2025:
My deepest condolences and prayers for her family especially her kids. She was such a sweet, kind, loving, and wonderful woman. Every time I saw her she always had a smile on her face.
Misty and Kevin Rhoton
left a message on August 3, 2025:
What a sweet lady, our deepest sympathies for your family’s loss.
Joel and Kristi Davis
left a message on August 3, 2025:
With deepest sympathy,
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by Joel and Kristi Davis. Send Flowers
Janet Lewis
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Jay & family, we send our deepest condolences for the loss of Kathy. She’s been a part of my life since day one of elementary school. We’ve been cheerleaders, played tennis & basketball, room mothers for our children & little league baseball. The biggest memory is a midair collision at basketball practice that left 2 scars above my left eye. Kathy called that night to check on me, my mom said I was fine, just looked like I’d been kicked by a mule. Laugh, cry, but never forget those little moments of fun with Kathy.
Sincerely, Bill & Janet (Ellis) Lewis
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Karrie Cook, Cheryl Sherley, Kelley Williams
left a message on August 4, 2025:
We are truly so sorry for your loss, we loved Kathy so much she was an amazing person. The world was better b/c she was in it.
Rhonda Hayes
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Condolences and prayers for Kathy and her family. She will be missed.
Psyche Yabes and Family
left a message on August 5, 2025:
I’m deeply saddened to hear of her passing. She was such a sweet soul, and I’ll truly miss seeing her lovely face at the volleyball and basketball games. Her warm smile and the way she always waved at me from the stands meant more than she probably knew. She brought so much light and love to those moments. May she rest in peace, and may her memory continue to shine in all the lives she touched.
CeCe Bridges
left a message on August 4, 2025:
Sending with our love and prayers. CeCe ( aunt) and Steve Bridges
Purple Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by CeCe Bridges. Send Flowers
CeCe Bridges
left a message on August 4, 2025:
I am sending my love to all of you J Amanda Justin Andy Micah and Debra. I am at loss for words to express how sad I feel for your loss of the sweetest woman I have know and to the best wife mother gran and sister.
My heart aches with the grief I feel and can just imagine how each of you feel. 😰🙏✝️
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Janet Lewis
left a message on August 4, 2025:
Jay and family, our deepest condolences for the loss of Kathy. She was a longtime friend to our family.
Bill and Janet (Ellis) Lewis
Joshua Paredez and family
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Forever grateful for ya Mama Ep! We love ya
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by Joshua Paredez and family. Send Flowers
James and Cheryl Davis
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Our deepest sympathy to every one of the Epley family. May she rest in peace and may God comfort each and every family member and friends.
Derrill & Cherie Pope
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Epley family. May God help you find comfort in this difficult time.
John and Shane Reese
left a message on August 3, 2025:
For the mother that was and has always been there for myself and many other of her kids. You will always be in our hearts. Love
Bountiful Rose Basket was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by John and Shane Reese. Send Flowers
Terry and Glenda McDonald
left a message on August 3, 2025:
So sorry for your loss. Mama Ep was one of a kind. She will be greatly missed.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by Terry and Glenda McDonald. Send Flowers
Darla Earnest Lynch
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Kathy and I were best friends since elementary school at Forsan. Anywhere you saw her you saw me! I was at her house a lot!! We had many fun slumber parties!! Cheerleading, basketball, student clubs we were a part of it all. We have remained friends for over 50 years. I loved and will miss you….. Until we meet again my friend ❤️
Debbie Ray
left a message on August 3, 2025:
We send our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Kathy was a precious soul and a wonderful friend to so many. Our prayers are with you all. Debbie, Joey and family, Jenny and family.
Linda Kaye Stallings
left a message on August 3, 2025:
In loving memory of your mother.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley . Plant a Tree
Erin Reeh
left a message on August 3, 2025:
My deepest condolences and prayers for her family especially her kids. She was such a sweet, kind, loving, and wonderful woman. Every time I saw her she always had a smile on her face.
Misty and Kevin Rhoton
left a message on August 3, 2025:
What a sweet lady, our deepest sympathies for your family’s loss.
Joel and Kristi Davis
left a message on August 3, 2025:
With deepest sympathy,
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Kathleen "Mama Ep" Epley by Joel and Kristi Davis. Send Flowers
Janet Lewis
left a message on August 3, 2025:
Jay & family, we send our deepest condolences for the loss of Kathy. She’s been a part of my life since day one of elementary school. We’ve been cheerleaders, played tennis & basketball, room mothers for our children & little league baseball. The biggest memory is a midair collision at basketball practice that left 2 scars above my left eye. Kathy called that night to check on me, my mom said I was fine, just looked like I’d been kicked by a mule. Laugh, cry, but never forget those little moments of fun with Kathy.
Sincerely, Bill & Janet (Ellis) Lewis
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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