Bishop Earnest Epps

January 28, 1948 - May 3, 2020

On Wednesday January 28th, 1948, Bishop Earnest Epps was born to the late Willie Mae Epps-Bradley, in Kingstree, South Carolina. Around 9 O’ clock pm on Sunday May 3, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Bishop gained his wings and transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home. Bishop Epps was educated by the Williamsburg County school system in South Carolina. After his schooling he relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before moving to New York City. He later relocated to New Haven, Connecticut where he found his long time home. Bishop was a faithful employee of Pratt & Whitney, Yale and Winchester factory all located in New Haven, Connecticut for many years. Upon marrying his wife, Lady Rosa, in April of 1996, Bishop relocated to Bridgeport, CT and called it home for the last 24 years. Bishop Epps was called to ministry under the leadership of Bishop Dozier Shields approximately 44 years ago. He attended and graduated from Carver Bible School, the FreeWill Baptist School of Biblical Studies and attended many other classes, courses, and workshops throughout his ministerial career. Furthermore, Bishop was the Pastor of St. James in New Haven, CT and the founding Pastor of Unity Temple Church in New Haven, CT, where he Pastored for over 20 years. In 2005 he became the Pastor of English Chapel Cathedral of Miracles and was consecrated Bishop under the leadership of Bishop Elijah Davis and the UFWB Churches, Inc. on October 29, 2005, where he became the Bishop of the Southern Connecticut Annual Conference. Bishop served faithfully as Pastor and Bishop for over 15 years. Bishop Epps was also a dedicated member of the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, FaithActs for Education, and a dedicated attendant of both the Hampton Ministers Conference and the National FreeWill Baptist Convention, where he served on the National Finance Committee. Bishop Epps was a celebrated teacher, elder, spirit-led preacher, dedicated leader and visionary. Under his leadership came the E.C. Food Pantry, Hot Lunch program, Breakfast at the Cathedral, Annual Thanksgiving Initiatives, Annual Christmas Gift Giveaways, Annual Easter Basket Giveaways, and many more community oriented events. Bishop believed in GIVING back to the community, as he would give you the shirt off of his back. Bishop stood on the foundation of Psalms 133:1, which reads, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity”. Bishop strongly believed that “where there is Unity, there is strength!” Also, Bishop Epps loved his youth. He fostered many initiatives geared towards the youth, such as field trips, outings, clothing and coat drives and more. Bishop always made sure his youth was well taken care of and well taught, as he strongly believed in the virtue and power of education. Bishop Epps loved music, especially quartet; you could find Bishop listening to music every single day. Also, Bishop Epps thoroughly enjoyed his church family. Bishop Earnest Epps leaves to cherish his wife of 24 years, Lady Rosa L. Williams-Epps. 6 children; Andre (Lawanda) Epps, Roslyn Epps-Hill, Tina Jay, Dominique Pierce, Shaquille Epps, and James Epps, all of Ct. Siblings; Ruth Washington, Johnnie Pearl Pompey and Randy McFadden of South Carolina and Esther “Bobbie” (Tom) Coates and Clebreta McFadden of Connecticut. Brother and sister-in laws; John (Isabelle) McKnight of CT, John (Cheroke) Williams of PA, Wilbert (Barbara) Williams, Floyd Williams, Annie Hayes, Mary (Willie) Andrews, Pauline Williams, Nancy (Robert) Sanders, and Magdalene Williams all of NC. Grandchildren; TyRhonda, Shanteal, Samantha, LouAllison, Samuel, Chelsea, Robert, Andre, Anthony. Great-grandchildren; Jaheim, Deontay, Nishyah, Iyanna, Gerard, Jaleel, Giselle, Allison, Kayden, Destiny, Amiyah, Melody, Hailey, Samir, Andre Jr, Avree, Robert Jr, and Emoni. Adopted grandchildren; Jonnell & Jonathan Hartley and the Dimbo children. As well as a host of extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews, god-children, friends, colleagues and associates. Bishop Epps was predeceased by his mother; Willie Mae Epps-Bradley, brothers; Frederick John Bradley, Cleophus, Rushen and Billy McFadden, sister; Minnie Alma and daughters; Ernestine Epps and Cynthia Sherrod and granddaughter Deborah Smith.