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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Mr. Pat Epps

Omie Lucille Williams was born on a farm in Madison County, Georgia but her family soon moved to Siloam, Georgia where she grew up and worked at Jackson's Dry Goods Store until moving to Athens, Georgia. There she was employed at Michael's Department Store.
Omie married Ben T. Epps of Athens in 1913. They had ten children, nine of which grew up to become adults. Ben's main income was from his auto garage and car rentals (with drivers) company, however, Ben's hobby and first love was airplanes. Ben Epps designed, built and flew at least six different aircraft during his lifetime. His spouse, Omie, endured airplane crashes and money shortages, but, she never asked Ben to give up his hobby. Omie was a partner who helped make Ben's events, masterpieces, and successes happen yet she did not receive or share the glory and recognition like her husband.
In October 1937, Ben was fatally injured in an airplane crash, leaving Omie with nine children to raise. Despite the death of her husband, Omie encouraged all her children to fly. And, she encouraged them all to work hard and get the best education they could.
She succeeded.