Joseph Aliven Eppes, age 79, of Burkeville, Virginia departed this life at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, VA on March 1, 2022. He was born on April 24, 1942 in Nottoway County, VA, to James Franklin and India Wells Eppes. Joe, as he was fondly called, attended Nottoway County Public Schools. He had various jobs, including truck driving, working at a sawmill, farming, and raising tobacco. He finally settled on running his own business, as the sole proprietor of Joe’s Convenience Store in Rice, VA. He served on various boards and committees, such as, Prince Edward County Democratic Committee, Lockett District Precinct Captain for many years, and was a great community leader. Joe was a faithful member of the High Rock Baptist Church, where he served as financial secretary for over 25 years and was chairman of the Trustee Board until his health declined. In 2016, he received the Grassroots Volunteer Reward. His hobbies included cutting grass, watching wrestling, football, westerns, and watching Jimmy Swaggart Ministry teaching and preaching. Joe loved the Lord, people and was friendly to everyone he met. He was predeceased by: his parents; his son, David Edward Eppes; his brothers, Ernest “Pete”, James “Pap”, and William “Jr.” Eppes. He is survived by: his loving wife, Lois Ann Eppes of Burkeville; son, Anthony Eppes (Phyllis) of Burkeville; grandchildren, DaVida Eppes

of Roanoke, VA, Joseph and Kayla Eppes of Burkeville; daughter-in- law, Machelle Jackson Eppes; brother, Robert Eppes; sisters, Virginia

Stanton (Elbert), Phyllistine Lee ( James); sisters-in-law, Mamie, Elsie Eppes, Mary Robertson, Jerlean Simmons; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.