Darley Marie (Thom) Copp

Darley Marie (Thom) Copp, 87, of Decatur, IL, formerly of Springfield, IL, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on December 30, 2021, while surrounded by loving family members. Darley passed after fighting complications from COVID pneumonia.

Darley was raised, educated, and resided most of her life in Springfield, IL. She was active in many organizations and fundraising efforts, serving as an officer or volunteer at Knox Presbyterian Church—where she was a member for over 55 years; Springfield Motor Boat Club; IL Pilots Association; Slip & Skid Flying Club; International Comanche Society; and the Charlie Wells Memorial Scholarship Association, plus many others.

Darley was born on June 9, 1934, in Springfield, IL, to James Thom and Dea Galassi Thom. She graduated from Scared Heart Academy in 1952, and, on August 23, 1953, married William Copp from Springfield. Together over a span of almost 60 years, they raised three children, ran a successful plumbing and heating business, were active with their church family at Knox Presbyterian, enjoyed many friends and activities with the various flying associations, and travelled to multiple locations around the world, up until Bill’s passing on December 18, 2011.

Meeting new people wherever she happened to be, socializing with friends and relatives, and spending time with her children and grandchildren were the highlights of Darley’s life. She also thoroughly enjoyed her early Saturday morning garage sale outings.

Darley is survived by three children: William Copp (Lori) of Parker, CO; Barbara Hampton (Jack) of Springfield, IL, and James Copp (Janice) of Sugar Run, PA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Rachel Copp Bergbower, Highlands Ranch, CO; Andrew Copp, Aspen, CO; Cassie Hampton, Springfield, IL; Marissa Hampton, Chicago, IL; Alaina Hampton, Chicago, IL; William Daniel Copp, Tunkhannock, PA; Keon Copp, Melbourne, FL; and three great-granddaughters: Elizabeth Bergbower, Sophia Bergbower, and Dawson Lee Copp. Darley was preceded in death by her husband, William Copp, in 2011, and her parents, Dea Galassi Ushman in 1977, and James Thom 1978.

On behalf of Darley, the family would like to recognize her special companion, James K. Burnett, of Decatur, IL, who loved her and helped her in so many ways in recent years.

Per Covid protocols, a private family graveside service was held on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at Roselawn Memorial Park, Springfield, IL. A Celebration of Life event will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Darley can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, or via mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org, or via mail to P. O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

Arrangements and care were entrusted to Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62703.