Barbara Dean Coppage

Barbara (Bobbie Dean) Thorns Coppage was born on September 15, 1934, in Stephens County, Arkansas. Her parents were Naomi Quarles Thorns and Lee Thorns. Barbara was the last of twelve children born from that union, alongside her twin sister, Dorothy. She accepted Christ at an early age and congregated with her family at Mt Vernon AME Church in Rosston, Arkansas, which was originally constructed by her father, Lee Thorns.

Barbara graduated from Yerger High School located in Hope, Arkansas, in 1952. She then began studies at Arkansas AM&N College, now called the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), in 1952, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Farris Slaid Coppage Jr, who was a UAPB Sophomore. Barbara and Farris were married on August 2, 1953, in Jackson, MI, which would become their homestead for more than 70 years. They were blessed with seven children from this union -- Larry, Ronald, Harvey, Deborah, Bruce (Tony), Richard, and Barbara Jr.

After relocating from Arkansas, Barbara, along with Farris, began their working career at the Hotel Hayes in downtown Jackson. She served as an elevator operator and helped with the Drum Ballroom banquet events and activities. She also managed the sandwich bar at the Hotel Hayes, becoming the first black person in that role.

After the Hotel Hayes, she began working as a Nurse's Aide at the WA Foote Memorial Hospital. During that time, Farris was pursuing a bachelor’s degree, initially at Jackson Community College and then Eastern Michigan University. While Farris pursued his degree and worked full time at the U of M hospital (coming home on weekends), Barbara managed the household finances and family, while also working full time as a Nurse’s Aide at Foote Hospital.

She went on to become Ward secretary at Foote Hospital, completing a 13-year career while focusing on raising their last two children. Later in her career, she began working at King’s Community Homes. She was initially a receptionist before being promoted to Property Manager, where she was known for partnering with her co-worker to cook delicious meals for the community. She was known for being meticulous about her work and working long hours to be of service to her community. She served in that role until she retired.

Barbara was very active in the Jackson community and her family church, Lane Memorial CME Church. She served as a member of the Lane CME Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, Usher Board, and as church secretary. As a member, Barbara was diligent and dedicated to tithing, even when they had very little to give. She took great pride and responsibility for drafting and printing the Sunday service bulletins for many years. An excellent cook, she helped plan church event banquets and prepared meals for homegoing services. She was renowned for her chicken casserole, gravy chicken, and pear preserves made with hand-picked pears from a tree in her backyard.

Barbara was a reservoir of quiet support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, providing child care, attending extracurricular activities and special events, and picking up anyone who needed a ride in her little teal Grand Prix with hot pink accents. She hosted many holidays, card parties, birthdays, and recurring Friday pizza nights. Her countless hours of planning, preparing, decorating, and cooking allowed her children and grandchildren to forge close bonds that remain today. She later built a close special relationship with her late great-great-great-niece, Mia Sims, while being cared for at Arbor Oaks Living Center.

Her hobbies included a catering and party-planning business with long-time friends, cooking, designing and decorating, sewing, crossword puzzles, card games, watching her stories, shopping, and collecting figurines. She could sometimes be perceived as quiet to the outside world, but her loved ones knew her to be quick-witted with a great sense of humor and infectious smile. Make no mistake, she also could dole out discipline at the drop of a hat.

Barbara is survived by Farris Slaid Coppage Jr, her husband and life partner for over 73 years; seven children, Larry Karl (Cynthia), Ronald Bernard (Beverly), Harvey Brian (Paulette), Deborah Gail (James), Bruce (Tony) Anthony (Ericka), Richard Justin (Melissa), and Barbara Farrilyn (E. Allen); 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special great-niece, Trisha Overall. She is preceded in death by her parents – Lanie and Lee Thorns, and eleven siblings – Lula (Audria), Odail, Booker, Gertrude, Ruby, Artie, Justin, Ernestine, Curtis “Duke”, Jim, and her twin sister Dorothy.