Marlene Epps Curry

Marlene Epps-Curry

Born Marlene Williams on February 9, 1939, ten minutes after her twin sister, Marie. The twins were the oldest of the 10 children of Leroy Williams and Velma (Clemmons) Williams.

Raised in Kansas City, Kansas and educated in Kansas City, Kansas schools of Dunbar Elementary and Northeast Jr. High, graduating with the summer class of 1957. After graduation, Marlene attended Kansas City, Kansas Jr. College as well as several courses at the University of Kansas.

Married George A. Epps Sr. in 1958 and had two wonderful sons, Gregory A. Epps Jr., and Michael C. Epps. This marriage ended in divorce in 1971. Marlene then married Ronald L. Curry in 1981 and his daughter Constance Benton and son Christopher Curry became a part of the blended family. Marlene worked for The Social Security Administration for 36 wonderful years. After retirement, Marlene embarked on a new career with the Raytown School District as an instructional assistant in special education for 13 years.

Marlene was a member of the KCMO Women’s Chamber of Commerce for several years and was a phone volunteer for the Metropolitan Organization to Combat Sexual Assault (MOCSA). In addition, she was involved with the Special Olympics and Jr. Achievements. She was a member of the St. James UMC Care and nurture team and was widely praised for her strawberry bundt cake.

Marlene was preceded in death by her mother and father, sister Arvella Mansaw; brothers Lee Roy, Roy Lee, Leonard, Michael, Vinson, and Warren Tyrone.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald, and her children; Gregory A Epps (Michelle), Michael Epps (Richelle), Constance, and Christopher (LaTiesha); sisters Marie Morris (George) and Loella (Chiffie); grandchildren Gregory Jr. (Jamie), Camille, Philip, Derek, Shelton, Chrishawn, DaQuan, Christopher Jr., Christian, and Nicholas, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 11AM, with services to follow at 12PM, Thursday, May 25 at St. James United Methodist Church - Paseo, 5540 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, Missouri; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.  Arr: Park Lawn Funeral Home 816-523-1234