Mildred "Middy" Anne Gunby Epperson's Obituary
Mildred Anne Gunby Epperson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and
great grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2023, at the age of
93.
Born April 10, 1930, in Clovis, New Mexico, Mildred was the youngest of 5
children. Her parents are Hazel Marie (Sharpnack) Gunby and Mathew
Gunby. Her family moved to Tucson when she was the age of 2. She
attended Sam Hughes Elementary School, Mansfield Middle School, Tucson
High School, and went on to graduate with honors from the University of
Arizona, in 1954.
She also received several honors for her service to the community that
include being a member of the Tucson High School Hall of Fame, the
Athena Award from the Junior League for Outstanding Service, and the
University of Arizona Woman's Studies "Women Who Lead Award" and
was honorarily pinned by her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Mildred followed
her passion of Education and started her teaching career shortly after
graduating from the U of A, while still serving her Tucson community.
In 1957 she married Thomas Walter Epperson, who was born in Tucson in
1925. In 1959, they had their first child together, Thomas Eric Epperson
whom they chose to call, “Eric”. In 1962, their second child was born, Di
Anne Marie Epperson. “Di Anne” is two words and is spelled with a capital
“A” making her daughter’s name unique to include her own middle name,
“Anne”. After leaving Tucson, and moving to several states, the family
relocated to Spokane, Washington in 1974, where they finally settled.
Mildred immediately began service to her Spokane community and became
a highly respected teacher at Hamblen Elementary School over the years.
Her contributions became known and appreciated, and she continued to
teach at Hamblen Elementary School for more than three generations
before she chose retirement. To this day, Mildred has a “Mrs. Epperson” fan
club – a following of people who are grateful for her educational
contributions and love of children. In fact, her granddaughter, Terah was
privileged to have had Mildred as her 1st Grade teacher. Both Terah and she
benefitted tremendously from this wonderful opportunity. Mildred was able
to be grandmother and teacher, two of her favorite passions. Mildred was
always passionate about teaching, especially 1st grade school children, and
talked about playing ‘school’ even as a child herself.
Upon retirement, she became a fulltime babysitter and “Mom Mom” to her
then newborn granddaughter, Ashley. It brought Mildred great joy to have
had the care of Ashley for the first 8 years of her life. Mildred was able to
be grandmother and teacher once again. She also received a new
grandmother title “Mom Mom”, in addition to her adored “MeMa”.
As a very loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother,
Mildred was involved in, and gave all of herself in every capacity to, her
children, their children, and their children’s lives. She loved going to support
her family’s ball games, music and sporting competitions, all their activities
and events. She was always a devoted fan, and was all in on the cheer
squad, ready to engage vocally and photograph every moment!
Mildred had two sisters she was very close to: Marjorie and Helen. Both of
whom she loved to travel with whenever she had the opportunity to. The
three were known as the “Gunby girls” from their younger days in Tucson.
She felt blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to Europe, Canada,
and throughout the US. Mildred was a lover of history and was known to
have a loaded camera bag with her, everywhere she went. Her photography
is prized by her family and friends.
Mildred joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) July 1,
1967, and affiliated with Esther Reed Chapter December 11, 2004. She
was DAR Schools Chair, on the Sunshine Committee, and served as
parliamentarian under Regent Susan Cagle, a fellow member of Tri
Delta. Mildred generously supported the chapter both financially and with
the gift of time. She regularly attended meetings and was a contributor to
chapter discussions. She received a certificate as a 50-year-member in
2017 and a party was held in her honor to recognize that
milestone. Everyone who knew Mildred thought of her as, a best friend.
Mildred had the honor of having the only current female Revolutionary War
female Patriot established in the early 2020’s and was proud of her DAR
Certificate to honor Betty Calloway-Gunby born 1738 in Delaware, as her
ancestor. She was so proud of this Patriot and to be a Patriot!
Family was most important to Mildred. Her family was her passion and her
life, both near and far in lineage. She was known for her smile, her loving
kind heart, and her infectious laughter. Her beautiful personality preceded
her, and she left behind a warm glow everywhere she went.
For the last 7 years of her amazing journey of life, Mildred lived with her
loving and caring daughter, Di Anne, who provided Mildred the ability to
keep her independence until she was gently and swiftly taken home to our
Lord in Heaven.
Mildred is survived by her son Thomas Eric Epperson and his wife Jo Ellen,
their children Kimberly, Glen, Ashley, and Rory, and their grandchildren
Easton and Hudson. She is also survived by her daughter Di Anne Marie
Epperson and her children Bret, Christopher, Terah, and Chad, and her
grandchildren Makayla, Kaiden, and Dylan, along with her many nieces and
nephews.
A celebration of Mildred’s life, which emphasized her love of family, friends,
life, and students, was held June 29, 2023, at Evergreen Mortuary and
Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona. Both Bret and Terah praised their “MeMa”
for the love and support she provided to them as a second mother. After
the service, Mildred was laid to rest next to her father, mother and eldest
sister.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ester Reed
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Christian
Broadcasting Network, or a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Mildred "Middy"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mildred "Middy"?
Share a story where Mildred "Middy"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mildred "Middy" you’ll never forget.
How did Mildred "Middy" make you smile?
