Deacon Patrice Tomeka (Raphiel) Epting

Patrice Tomeka Raphiel Epting — energetic, bubbly, and full of life — will without question joyfully linger in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. A quick-witted, bold, and adventurous spirit, Patrice had a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. She made everything fun, finding laughter in the simplest things and light in every shadow.
 
From an early age, Patrice carried a spark that refused to dim. She was curious, fearless, and authentic — never pretending to be anything other than who she truly was. Her laughter was contagious, her humor unmatched, and her presence magnetic. To know Patrice was to be entertained, uplifted, and reminded that joy is a choice we can make every day.
 
She lived on her own terms — doing nothing she didn’t want to do and loving every minute of it. Patrice approached life with a mix of humor and boldness that made people braver just by being near her. She was genuine, loyal, and unfiltered — a beautiful reminder that authenticity is its own kind of grace.
 
Though she built a career as a dedicated teacher for over 33 years, those who loved her know that teaching was only one part of her story. Patrice, who earned her master’s in education, spent those years doing what came naturally — teaching, inspiring, and entertaining. She had a gift for turning lessons into laughter and classrooms into communities. Her students adored her because she made learning feel like living, and she left an imprint on every young life she touched.
 
Patrice was baptized at Union Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her love for the church was genuine and lifelong — she was at home in the house of God. In time, her faith blossomed into leadership, and she proudly served as a Deacon at Antioch Christian Church, pouring her heart into service with the same warmth, humor, and enthusiasm she brought to every part of her life.
 
Above all her accomplishments, Patrice’s most cherished role was that of mother. She was the heart and backbone of her family, raising her children with endless love, laughter, and resilience. She taught them to find joy even in hard times, to work hard but never forget to have fun, and to believe in themselves the way she believed in them.
 
Patrice was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend — roles she embraced with fierce love and radiant joy. She is deeply loved, profoundly missed, and will forever remain the heartbeat of her family’s stories and laughter.
 
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of twelve years, Willie Epting, Jr., and her children: McKinleigh Bridges, Sabryn Moses, Blaize Moses, Larry Bridges, Jaylon Epting, and Kameron Epting. Patrice is also survived by her devoted mother, Mary Raphiel; adoring siblings; godchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends who will forever treasure her light and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Ivory Raphiel, Sr.
 
Patrice Tomeka Raphiel Epting — larger than life, radiant in beauty inside and out, a light in every room, and a comfort to every heart. Fearless, funny, and full of love, she made everyone around her feel seen, loved, and at home. Everything she did was filled with love.  Her spirit was joy itself — a rare soul whose light will never fade.

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