Nathena Jonell 'Sheena' Epps, 30

FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Nathena Jonell "Sheena" Epps of Federalsburg died of natural causes Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006, in Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. She was 30.

Miss Epps was born June 12, 1976, in Seaford, Del.

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

She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. She loved to laugh and have fun, never allowing her illness to get the best of her. She was loved by many and will always be remembered.

Miss Epps had accepted the Lord into her life, and their relationship became stronger toward the end of her long battle.

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

She is survived by a son, Jalen Epps, and a daughter, Ja'el "Rolonda" Epps, both of Federalsburg; her mother and stepfather, Danita Epps-Neal and Alphonzo "Toot" Neal of Federalsburg; a stepmother, Connie Matthews-Rayford of Seaford; grandmothers, Ida Mae Rayford of Seaford, and Virginia Epps of Federalsburg, the loving and devoted grandmother who raised her; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Damita Epps and Demetria Bennefield, both of Seaford, and Angela and Richard Blunt of Ramstein, Germany; four brothers and a sister-in-law, Aaron and Canita Bennefield 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 host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including a special aunt, James Ella Rayford-Short; a special cousin, Diane Williams; a special nephew, Isaiah Epps; and special friend, Camille Cuffe.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Hurlock, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in Federal Hill Cemetery, Federalsburg.