Nathena J. Epps

FEDERALSBURG - Nathena Jonell Epps, also known as "Sheena" to friends and family passed away Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

She was born June 12, 1976, in Seaford, Del., daughter of Danita Epps-Neal and the late Carl Lee Rayford.

She received her formal education in the public schools of Sussex County, Del.

She is survived by a son, Jalen Epps and a daughter, Ja"el Epps ("Rolanda") of Federalsburg; her mother, Danita Epps-Neal of Federalsburg; stepmother, Connie Matthews-Rayford of Seaford, Del.; stepfather, Alphonzo Neal ("Toot") of Federalsburg; grandmother, Ida Mae Rayford of Seaford, Del.; her grandmother, Virginia Epps of Federalsburg who raised her. She is also survived by three sisters, Damita Epps of Seaford, Del., Demetria Bennefield of Seaford and Angela Blunt (Richard) of Ramstein Germany; four brothers, Aaron Bennefield (Canita) of Bridgeville, Del., Dion Rayford of Baltimore, Dontra Matthews and Tevar Jones, both of Seaford; four aunts, four uncles, eight great-uncles, seven great-aunts and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; special aunt, James Ella Rayford-Short; special cousin, Diane Williams and a special nephew, Isaiah Epps.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Russell Williams Sr. and James Rayford Sr.; aunt, Helen Knowles and uncle, James Rayford Jr.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Bennie Smith Funeral Home in Hurlock where friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. preceding the service. Burial will be in Federal Hill Cemetery in Federalsburg.