Shirley Marie Coppage

She was born on December 5, 1935, in Sikeston, Missouri, to the late Lacy Burl and Eva Marie Taber. Shirley attended Matthews Schools, graduating in 1954. She was a longtime member of Canalou Baptist Church and later Tanner Street Church of God.

Shirley was a beautiful, strong, fearless, and caring soul who always placed others’ happiness before her own. She generously shared her time and talents wherever they were needed.

On December 14, 1956, she married Phillip Gordon Coppage and began a life of devotion on their small farm in Charter Oak, Missouri. Shirley poured her love into raising their four children and fulfilling the many responsibilities of a farm wife and mother. She was also a dedicated 4 H leader, an active church volunteer, and found joy in singing in the church choir.

After raising her children and following the passing of her husband,

Shirley devoted 22 years of service to Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, first in the gift shop and later in the cafeteria. In retirement, she delighted in tending her flower garden, cooking, and spending cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She especially treasured summer days with her grandchildren, playing games in the yard and sharing stories that grew sweeter with each retelling.

Shirley is survived by her children: Timothy (Krisy) Coppage, Sr., of Matthews, Missouri; Bobby Coppage and his dear friend Debra Evans of Sikeston, Missouri; Tina (Doug) Scott of Sikeston, Missouri; and Anthony (Tracy) Coppage of Sikeston, Missouri.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Mark Coppage, Timothy (Jamie) Coppage, Jr., Samuel (Natalie) Coppage, Daniel (Rachel) Coppage, Jerod Scott, Taylor Scott, Leah Coppage, Braxton Coppage, Chandler Coppage, and Landon Coppage; and by her great grandchildren: Beckham Coppage, Harper Coppage, Mallory Coppage, Rosalie Coppage, Lennon Coppage, Bo Coppage, Baby Coppage, Briella Shay Coppage.

Shirley is further survived by her brother, Merlin Taber; her sisters, Marlene Hartlein of Matthews, Missouri, and Deanna Piel of Springfield, Missouri; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lacy Burl and Eva Marie Taber; her husband, Phillip G. Coppage; her sisters, Ruth Burch, Judy Northcutt, and Flossie Taber; and her brothers, Glenn, Lindell, Melvin, and Dwight Taber.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, Missouri. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, morning from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, MO followed by private family service. Pastor John Morden of Tanner Street Church of God, officiating. Private burial will take place at Memorial Park in Sikeston, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Mark Coppage, Timothy Coppage, Jr., Sam Coppage, Daniel Coppage, Jerod Scott, and Taylor Scott. Honorary pallbearer: Leah Coppage.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Online: www.stjude.org

Tanner Street Church of God 619 Tanner Street, Sikeston, MO 63801

Online condolences may be made at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com