NEW YORK, NY (ABNS 1/27/26)— With profound sadness, MMBB Financial Services announces the passing of our esteemed board member, Rev. Dr. William Saxe Epps, who entered eternal rest peacefully on January 12, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles, CA, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. His family was by his side.
Bill served on the MMBB Board of Managers with great passion, dedication, and distinction since 2000 . He was a member of the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, and Personnel Committee.
For 37 years, Dr. Epps was the eighth Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles. The church is aligned with American Baptist Churches USA; the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
The viewing will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m ., and a celebration of life servic e will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 2412 Griffith Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90011.
Dr. Epps’ legacy was one of faithful leadership and generous service. In addition to his work with MMBB, he was deeply engaged in issues of social justice, affordable housing, and community revitalization — having served for years as a Commissioner of the Affordable Housing Commission of Los Angeles. His civic leadership also included involvement in national and global Baptist organizations such as the Baptist World Alliance.
Earlier pastoral leadership included serving congregations in Detroit, MI; Winston‑Salem, NC; Haverhill, MA; and the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City. A graduate of Bishop College, Dr. Epps also graduated from Union Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Columbia University (M.Ed.), and St. Mary’s Seminary and University (D.Min.).
Rev. Dr. Perry J. Hopper, MMBB CEO, remarks: “It was a privilege having Dr. Epps serve on our Board of Managers. He not only served, but his thoughtful counsel and belief in our mission brought strength to every decision we made on behalf of our members. He will be missed.”
Dr. Epps is survived by Lady Agretta Denise Epps; their daughters, Dr. Jacqueline Jeannelle Epps‑Spivey and Andrea Nichole Epps, Esq.; and their grandchildren. His presence, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Second Baptist Church, 2412 Griffith Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90011.
MMBB invites colleagues, partners, and the broader faith community to join in praying for the Epps family and giving thanks for a life so richly lived in service to God and to others.
Dr. Epps’ obituary may be viewed here .
MMBB Financial Services is the nonprofit financial steward for more than 18,000 faith‑based employers, churches and church‑related organizations, ministers, missionaries, and their families across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. With over a century of experience and nearly $3 billion in assets, MMBB is a pioneer in providing employee retirement benefits—offering competitive returns, experienced management guidance, and sophisticated financial analytics tailored to the unique needs of the religious community.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations in the nation, representing approximately 5,000 congregations and 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico—each committed to living out God’s mission in communities around the world.
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