Verlia Rene' Howard Wood Epperly

Verlia Rene’ Howard Wood Epperly, 65, of Dunnellon, Florida, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home early Sunday morning, December 28, 2025.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama, with Rev. Mike Turner officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held in Marietta, GA at the Highland Pointe Clubhouse (3750 Clubhouse Ct Marietta, Georgia 30066) on Saturday, January 10th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Rene’ was born on April 22, 1960, in Columbus, Georgia, and was the daughter of the late Grady Aaron Howard and Verlia Jean Keller Howard Thomason. In her earlier years, she worked in banking before devoting herself wholeheartedly to her family. Rene’ was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend who cherished her family deeply. She was Christian by faith and lived her life with kindness, compassion, and an open heart.

Rene’ was married to the love of her life, Steven Drew Epperly, for nearly 27 years prior to his tragic passing in 2017. Together they raised three beautiful children—Joel Wood, Madison Epperly, and Jonathan Paul Epperly—who were the center of her world. Not a day went by that Rene’ didn’t proudly speak of her children. She was everything from a devoted “cheer mom” to a field trip chaperone, always present, always supportive, and always full of love.

Rene’ never met a stranger and had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. She will be remembered for her vivacious spirit, warm heart, quick wit, raunchy humor, sophisticated vocabulary, and her deep love for animals.

She enjoyed curating gifts for others and traveling, but most notably cherished traveling to her home away from home, Bermuda. Rene’ and Steven made many dear friends during their trips there, and it was especially meaningful to her that her son Joel will be married there this coming May.

She is survived by her children, Joel Wood and his fiancé Laura Aquadro, Madison Epperly, Jonathan Paul Epperly and his wife Paige; her brother, Grady Aaron Howard, Jr., sister, Muzette Howard Randall and her husband Russ, all of Jasper, Georgia, brother, Cory Thomason and wife Robyn of Smiths Station, Alabama; nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

Rene’ will be missed beyond measure, but her love, laughter, and spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew her—always.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or celebration of life. You may also donate to the Sanctuary to the Maxx Animal Shelter, Dunnellon, FL in honor of Rene’.