Dea. Jeppie Dees
I was born October 28, 1957 in Conecuh County to the loving parents of the late Johnny and Ella Wee Dees. I was the 8th of 11 children born to this union. I confessed Christ at an early age and grew up with Him in my heart. I joined the Greater Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Dr. H.J. Hawkins. I served faithfully as a member of the Deacon Ministry, Superintendent of the Sunday School, member of the Male and Gospel Chorus, Brotherhood Ministry, Transportation Ministry and many other positions within the church. I also served as President of the New Era Progressive Baptist State Convention of Alabama.
I am a product of the Conecuh County School System, graduating from Evergreen High School in 1976 and continued my studies at Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, AL. On June 1, 1980, I was employed at Millers Investment in Brewton, AL and continued to work until my health failed.
I dedicated my life to God, family, church and community, serving and helping wherever needed. I felt the need to make a difference. In 1991, the Nymph Volunteer Fire Department was organized where I served as Chief. I was elected and sworn-in as Conecuh County Constable Beat 12 on January 23, 1997, serving until my death. I, also served on the Owassa-Brownville Water Authority for 23 years and nine months. In 2014, along with others, I organized the Nymph Community Family Day Celebration.
On June 14, 1996, I united in Holy Matrimony to Janice Avant Dees and was blessed with four wonderful boys.
I transitioned from my earthly home to my Heavenly home on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 7:46 a.m. at the Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama.
I leave to treasure my life and memories, a devoted and loving wife, Janice A. Dees, four wonderful boys Juston and Alton Dees, both of Evergreen, AL, Kenneth (Victoria) Gross of Albion, MI and Kevin Gross of Evergreen, AL; three brothers, David (Sarah) Dees, Willie J. (Clara) Dees, both of Evergreen, AL and Ricky (Elizabeth) Dees of Ozark, AL; (two brothers preceded me in death, Johnny “Ozell” Dees and James Bradley) six sisters: Ella Lois (Richard) Holmes, Margie (James) Brantley, Minnie Jackson, Bernadette Dees, all of Evergreen, AL, Johnnie Mae (Thaddeus) Rankins of Mobile, AL and Katie (Russell) Pope of Aiken, SC; two brothers-in-law, Lewis (Jack) Avant of Albion, MI and Sanford (Mary) Avant of Brewton, AL; three sisters-in-law, Jackie Dees of Brewton, AL, Ella (Charles) Beasley of Clinton Township, MI and Louis (Jessie) Johnson of Detroit, MI; three granddaughters, Victoria ”LuLu”, Janessa “JuJu” and Laticia; one grandson, Dearron Floyd; six god-daughters, Olivia Crosby, Sanetra Crosby, Aunnie Bailey, Jaymie Taylor, Jasmine Philyaw and Jordan Philyaw; my special niece and nurse, Miranda Dees; numerous children and young people from the community whom I loved dearly; six special friends, Ricky Jackson, Thomas Watson, Glenn Woods, Reverend James Taylor, Larry Davis and Donnie Bozeman and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
I know the pain is great! But each of you here held a special place in my heart or in the heart of someone I loved dearly. I am privileged to be the honoree today, October 4, 2020 at this time, 2:30 p.m.,at Presley-Fluker Funeral Chapel (531 Knoxville Road – Evergreen, AL) with my Pastor, Dr. J.O. Meeks presiding.
There are no words that express how our hearts feel at this time. The outpouring of love and support during the illness and passing of our LOVED ONE has been unsurmountable. We want each of you to know that you are valued, and your acts of kindness has not gone unnoticed. Whatever you’ve done, great or small, we thank you each, one and ALL!!! Special Thank you to Dr. Stanley Barnes and staff, Thomas Hospital (Fairhope), Richard & Carol Miller and GNMBC Family and the Nymph Community.
- We Love You, the Family