Rea was born August 17, 1917. Daughter of the late Mr. Edwin Wilroy Epps, Jr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland Epps in Isle of Wight County, Virginia departed on July 29, 2010. Rea attended Smithfield High School and graduated in 1935 with seven honors. After graduating, she attended Smithdeal Business School in Richmond, Virginia. She started her internship while in business school and became a Corporate Executive with the John R. Chappel Insurance Agency for 11 years. Rea worked in the corporate world for 50 years. She was an avid tennis player during her career years in Richmond. Rea moved back to her hometown Smithfield at the age of 70 to join her sister, Page. She was an active member in the Isle of Wight community and the Christ Episcopal Church. Always a volunteer - during World War II, Rea recorded the airplane sightings on a map to help with the war effort. Her life in Smithfield over the past 22 years included antiquing and bridge. She served as treasurer for Christ Episcopal. Her home located on Grace Street in the heart of downtown Smithfield was known as a place where chickens were permitted to live in a fenced in backyard. Her roosters served as a real live alarm clock for her neighbors that added to the ambience of living in a quaint, and picturesque historic southern town.
Preceded in death by her sisters, Miss Page Epps and Miss Willard Epps. Survived by many loving neighbors, friends and her Episcopalian family. A petite lady with a big heart left behind a wonderful legacy of making the world a better place. The love Rea showed for all living things reminds us all "The essence of living is loving!"

A special "Thank you" to all Caregivers and Hospice.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church with Rev. Gary Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Ivy Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be held Monday night from 6-8 p.m. in her home, 228 Grace Street, Smithfield, VA. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Isle of Wight Humane Society, Heartland Hospice, or Christ Episcopal Church. Parr Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.