It’s been a year and a half since Bea passed away. I admit that I really don’t like funerals or sadness.  Even working as an Emergency Medicine doc, it’s still really difficult for me to face, when it’s a personal friend or family member. Bea was probably the most influential teacher of my educational career. She inspired me and set me up with a research internship at OSHU in high school. In that lab, I did DNA extraction at age 16. I drove to and from OHSU a couple of times a week and really did college and graduate-level work there. I remember she once drove our research class on a bus to Portland for a weekend conference. She was always pushing me to do more. With her recommendation letter (McNary, class of ‘94), I went to an amazing college and then went on to med school at Johns Hopkins. I kept in touch with her over the years and she was invited to my wedding. Even though her passing is a sad event, I am comforted reading these comments from others. I’ve realized that she touched the lives of many! A special lady, she will always live on in my memory…rest in peace, Bea. You are missed.

My condolences to Earl, their children, and all of Bea’s loved ones. What a joy it was to know her.  May her memory be a blessing and comfort. 

Mrs. Epperson was an amazing teacher! I had her in the early 90s at McNary and I remember that she used to take the entire class into the storage room (which was tiny) just to show us what the barometer was and how it worked. She and I shared a common trait in that we both were quite devoid of the natural gift of height, so when she saw that I was behind taller students, she called out and said, Rita! Come to the front. Shorties unite! It was funny and although science was not my favorite subject, she was my favorite science teacher and I've always remembered her class very fondly. 
May she rest in peace and my sincerest condolences to her family.

Mrs. Epperson was one of the most influential teachers in my life. She taught five of the six science courses I took while at Jefferson Highschool in the 1980s.  She set the foundation for my success in life.  Mrs. Epperson was much more than a teacher.  She was a mentor and a friend.  She inspired me to pursue my dreams.  Her guidance on science research took me to state twice, to nationals once, and led to the publishing of my research paper.  She wrote recommendations and helped me apply and gain acceptance to the United States Military Academy.  I would absolutely not be where I am today without her assistance.  The life lessons she taught are still with me today and I pass them on to my children.  I thank the Epperson family for the precious time she spent teaching and mentoring in Jefferson.  May she rest in peace.    

I had the privilege of getting to know Mrs.  Epperson as frequent shopper at Roth's Vista Market. She shared stories about her trips.  She even invited me to visit her class room, which I accepted. I could tell the kids wanted to be there. 
It was a delight to help her at the store, what a classy lady.   Joe Lee

As a parent, I now realize what an amazing Teacher my Aunt Bea was as she frequently told us stories of students returning to her classroom to let her know what an impact she had made on them.  Only the best Teachers get that kind of visit.  She was also very active in her community doing a lot of volunteer work for the Salem League of Women Voters.  When my brother Bill and I called to make a donation in Aunt Bea's memory, the young woman we spoke with had not met Aunt Bea BUT she had heard of her.  "She was a powerhouse here" she said.  Aunt Bea's best accomplishments though were raising three kids into amazing adults, our cousins Diane, David, and Russ.   We will miss you Aunt Bea.   Bela and Steve Smith,  Bill and Cindy Crouse

I'm sure it comes as no surprise how much of an impact Mrs Epperson made on so many students. (Yes, even 30 years later I still can't bring myself to call my teachers by their first name) For me personally, she is directly responsible for encouraging me to apply for an OMSI summer paleontology research team, which led to a Geology degree later on. I've got fantastic memories of her class (and antics - smashing a liquid nitrogen frozen "finger", blowing up a balloon filled with hydrogen, etc.) While I had many great teachers throughout my education, there is no question she was the most memorable and impactful on my life. Best wishes and Rest In Peace. - Jon Tichenor, McNary 1993.

Not only was Bea a wonderful teacher and model for students, she taught me to teach chemistry as well.  After watching her teach a class, I would then teach my own.  She made me look good.  

As colleagues we had lots of laughs and she always had amusing stories to keep us laughing at lunch.  I will miss her.

I was in Mrs Epperson's Chemesty class and then in her Research Science class at McNary in 1993!  She was an amazing teacher!  I have always remembered her fondly! 

She became part of the reason I loved science and decided to take chemistry as a freshman in college.  
Molli (Hellbusch) Dutra 
McNary 1991

Anyone who took chemistry from her at McNary can attest to Mrs. Epperson's passion for science and love of teaching. She made learning fun (as we all experienced on Halloween) and inspired confidence by seeing potential in you that you hadn't considered. I remember as the year in chemistry was winding down, she asked if I wanted to be part of a special project class that my friend was going to be in. I was flattered that she thought I was capable of keeping up with him and the others she'd invited, but I politely declined. Sometimes I wonder "what if?" knowing that my friend's project ultimately took him to a national conference. I'm sure it would have been challenging, but undoubtedly she would have found every way to support me along the way. Rest in peace Mrs. Epperson!

OBITUARIO

Beatrice Elizabeth Epperson

10 septiembre, 1937 – 6 agosto, 2022

Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors

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