Mavis Eppes, FAI

Mavis Eppes, who was born during a snowstorm on January 31, 1937, in Teague,Texas, to Richmond(Rich) and Ruth Haynie Eppes, died July 24, 2010.  

Mavis Eppes, FAI was the Director of Records and Information Management at the prestigious Vinson Elkins Law Firm headquartered in Houston, Texas. Her career spanned 40+ years at V&E, where Mavis developed an exemplary Records Management Program. Mavis’ dedication and drive to automate the records management functions and building state-of-the-art Records Management Programs made her a well-known and international leader in the records management industry. ARMA International consistently looked to Mavis to assist other law firms and professionals worldwide by answering questions, providing technical data, sharing policies and procedures, and training other Information and Records Managers. In 1990, Mavis was inducted into the Company of Fellows for ARMA International, which is the highest recognition award that can be achieved in the records management profession.

Throughout her career Mavis was known for developing a solid structure of fundamental law firm records management principles and creating a “gold standard” for managing law firm client files.  She was passionate about helping others achieve career goals and advancing the records management discipline. 

During her career Mavis was instrumental in growing ARMA International through activities at both the local and international levels. As President of the Houston Chapter of ARMA, she led her chapter to international honors as the largest chapter in ARMA with over 400 Houston Chapter members. She served on numerous ARMA initiatives and committees, including the International Technical Research Committee, the International Educational Publication Committee, Legal Services Industry Action Committee, and as every chapter officer and on every committee for the Houston Chapter. Mavis is well-known for her “Proud Professionals” slogan. She delighted in writing industry related articles and serving as editor of the ARMA Houston Chapter newsletter, the ARMAdilla. Mavis became affectionately known as “Mamadilla” for her contributions to the newsletter.  In addition, Mavis received hundreds of recognition awards for her participation in the local ARMA Chapter.  

Mavis accumulated a long list of speaking engagements as a popular speaker and trainer at various professional development conferences. She had her records management program profiled in several textbooks used for college courses. She authored an article for "The Office" magazine concerning her firm’s records program.  She served on the Curriculum Advisory Board of North Harris County College.

Mavis is also known for her participation in a number of local and international educational foundations that serve as funding resources for research and scholarship in the field of records and information. She quickly became known for creating a “culture of giving” in the ARMA Association.

She was instrumental in creating the Alice L. Haltom Educational Foundation and served many years on the ARMA International Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Mavis is recognized as an honorary member on both Foundations. Many professionals and students have benefited from her consistent generosity and her tenacity in leading fund raising initiatives to benefit others in the records management profession. In 2009, the ARMA Educational Foundation established the first annual Mavis Eppes FAI Excellence in Records Management Award Scholarship.

She was known by her ARMA colleagues as witty, fun-loving, warm, hilarious, professional, passionate, a leader and a true friend.   

Mavis was a member of the First Baptist Church, Spring Branch, TX; the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution; the Jamestowne Society; the Society of the Descendants of Francis Eppes I of Virginia--Epes, Eppes, Epps; the Texas First Families; and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. 

Her family has requested that donations be made to:  The Mavis Eppes FAI Excellence in Records Management Award, ARMA International Educational Foundation, 1609 Terrie Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15241.

To make a credit card contribution on line use the link to our credit card payment system. Select " Memorial Gifts"  and follow the steps.  When asked, select "Make this a gift".  Next, In the screen "Gift in Honor or Memory of Someone", select "My gift is In Memory of someone", enter the name Mavis Eppes, enter "admin@armaedfoundation.org" in the email field, check the next two check boxes and add a personal message if you like. The messages will be forwarded to the Eppes family. Click "Pay Now" and follow the remaining instructions.  On behalf of the Foundation and the family, your contribution is very much appreciated.  To begin, click Credit Card Payment System