Jerri McVey Copley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother. Jerri Copley of Oak Hill, West Virginia passed away on October 18th, 2023, at the age of 90 years old. A beacon of wisdom, love, resilience, and perseverance, she passed away Wednesday night, wrapped in the love of her family who adored her. Born into humble beginnings, she led a life distinguished by her relentless spirit, warmhearted laughter, and endless generosity. Her immense love for her family was apparent, as was her propensity to open her heart to those in need by sharing whatever she had. Her stories, often laced with quick wit and spunk, were a testament to a life well-lived, filled with both trials and triumphs – and a strong sense of justice. As we mourn this irreplaceable loss, we find solace in the unforgettable mark she left on our lives that is now imprinted in our hearts. Her legacy will live on through the cherished memories we hold, the lessons she taught us, and the love she gave without measure.

Jerri was not just a grandmother, but also a master of her craft. A self-taught seamstress, she wielded her sewing machine like an artist wields a brush, creating exquisite works that were as practical as they were beautiful. Her stitches were more than just threads; they were intricate tales of dedication, patience, and passion for creation. 

Jerri had another talent that brought joy to many - her extraordinary knack for baking. From flakey coconut cream piesto blackberry cobblers and fried apple pies, her desserts were truly a labor of love. This wasn't simply a hobby, but a means through which she expressed her love and care. Her masterpieces frequently graced the dessert tables at church and family gatherings as well as her grandchildren's fund raisers. Each crust she rolled, every filling she prepared, was a testament to her generous spirit and desire to bring sweetness into others' lives. 

In the shared tapestry of their lives, Jim and Jerri were more than just a husband and wife who always put family first; they were partners, each playing their indispensable roles. Their love found expression in the simplest of actions – the way they handpicked blackberries and apples together for Jerri to later transform into her famous desserts, and making sure the needs of their family members were always met (even if that meant they themselves went without). Jim could often be seen holding large swathes of fabric taut, his steady hands allowing Jerri to create with her needle and thread. Their partnership, a testament to their enduring love and their common goal of building a family rooted in kindness and always doing what’s right, lasted 73 years.

With a thirst for knowledge, Jerri went back to school to receive her high school diploma and further extended her education with a certificate in shorthand. In addition to being a loving wife and raising her family, Jerri worked at WOAY-TV as a traffic controller and in various roles at the Fayette County Clerk’s Office. Her commitment to professional growth and development was also evident in Copley's Appliance Service, the family business she ran alongside Jim. Here, their individual skills came together to form a seamless whole: Jim handled in-home appliance repair and customer service, while Jerri handled accounting and coordinating service requests with attention to detail.

Jerri, the child of Carlos McVey and Elsie Wiley McVey, was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, James “Jim” Copley, Sr, and her cherished sister, best friend, and life companion Shirley “Tabby” Wroten. Jerri is survived by her three children and their spouses: Jim and Donna Copley of Oak Hill, Wanda and Jerry Lovitz of The Villages, Florida, and Rick and Vickie Copley of Beckley, WV. Additionally, he has seven grandchildren: Aimee Lovitz Lanza (Javier), Chad Copley, Jamie Copley Settle (Scott), Amber Easter Hinkle (Doug), Brad Lovitz, Christina Copley, and a bonus granddaughter, Mahayla Jones. Jerri has eight great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, her loving dog, Shadow, and church family at Mount Hope Christian Church.

Services will be held at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, WV,on Monday, October 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.; visitation begins at 1:15 p.m. Pastor Buddy Goins will officiate, and Jerri will belaid to rest in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens on Pea Ridge Road, in Oak Hill, WV.

 All expressions of sympathy, can be sent to Tyree Funeral home. Honorary donations to Bower HouseHospice of Beckley, are welcomed and appreciated.

online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements Made by Tyree Funeral Home,  Oak Hill