of Brookland, AR
June 7, 1949 - March 3, 2024
Gelenda Velva Derlene Cope, 74, was born on June 7, 1949 in Jonesboro, AR to the late Guy and Velma Richardson. She was a native of Brookland, AR for the entire 74 years of her life. Surrounded by her precious family, Gelenda entered the gates of Heaven on March 3, 2024 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.
Gelenda was a proud Bearcat, graduating from Brookland in 1967. She went on to work for Jonesboro Grocery Company and General Electric. In 1982, Gelenda landed a job in Human Resources at St. Bernards Hospital. She carried out the role of payroll clerk for St. Bernards for 20 years. After working in payroll, she chose to move to the St. Bernards Engineering Department where she retired on March 29, 2012. She was a St. Bernard's employee for over 30 years. Lifelong friendships were made at St. Bernards that continued throughout her life.
Gelenda was a loving and active Memaw to her sweet grandbabies and great grandbabies. She took them on four-wheeler rides, taught them how to make homemade biscuits and played with them at every opportunity. Gelenda is survived by one daughter, Kristi Young (George) and by her three grandchildren, Ashton Young, Jeremy (Rachel) Young and Mary-Catherine (Colton) Brown. She was Memaw to her five great-grandchildren, River and Raylee Young and Ryker, Sutton and Wiley Brown. Her grands were her pride and joy. She loved being a Memaw and it showed.
Gelenda was preceded in death by one sister, Leila Weaver of Brookland, as well as her parents, Guy and Velma Richardson also of Brookland.
In addition to her precious grands, Gelenda leaves behind her loving husband of over 56 years, Gary Cope of the home. Gary cared for her diligently throughout her dementia illness. Gelenda and Gary shared their love of watching the Cardinals play baseball and playing with their grandchildren. Her daughter, Kristi was her best friend and travel buddy. They enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Branson and many beach trips together.
Gelenda loved gardening and growing flowers. She loved traveling, especially with her two best high school buddies, Marsha Mote Brandt of Cincinnati and Linda Morgan Shipman of Fort Worth, TX. She always looked forward to the next trip. In addition to traveling, Gelenda served as church secretary and Sunday School teacher at Needham Assembly of God for most of her life. She was of the Assembly of God faith. Gelenda loved serving God and singing ''specials'' when asked. Old church hymns were her favorite.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 2pm at Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro, AR with Melvan Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland, AR.
Visitation will precede the service beginning at 1pm.
Honored to serve as pall bearers are Jeremy Young, Sam Malone, Colton Brown and Stan Jones.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home.
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17 Condolence(s)
Gary & Lena Cain
Saturday, March 9, 2024
I grew up knowing Gelenda and she was a wonderful person. My fondest memories of her was that she would come and pick me and my brother Stan up and take us to church. She spent many Sundays trying to help lead us in the booster band. I remember her smile when some of would get of key or forget the words to a song. She handled it well and appreciated us when were not at our best. She was a person who made an impact on the life of many people. I know she will be missed by many but hopefully she is rejoicing in heaven with her Lord knowing that she will see her loved ones again.
Mary Beth Jones
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Gary, Christi and Ashton you'll are in my prayers..I closed the store and got into my car to head to visitation and cars starting pulling up . So I turned my car off and came back in to wait on my customers...I am so sorry!!! Special prayers for a special family!!! I know she is resting in piece....
Kimberly Bunch Baker
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Gelenda will always be Aunt Gelenda. When I was a little girl her and my Mom were child hood best friends. When I came along I called her Aunt Gelenda. Mom tried to tell me different (Ida Me Brown Bunch). I have memories I will cherish. She was a wonderful person . You will missed. Love you Aunt Gelenda!! Untill wr see each orher again!!
Richard Roberts
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Gary and Kristi, very sorry for your loss, we had always enjoyed our visits, and enjoyed the warmth and friendly visit with you all.
Debbie Eddington (Brown)
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
When I was a little girl, Gelenda picked me up and took me to church with her every Sunday. What a difference that has made in my life!
Gary and Brenda May
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
We are sorry Gary and family for the loss of Glenda. She was a good friend and will be missed. Prayers for peace at this time of sorrow. Gary and Brenda.
Jim Mote and lola MOTE
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Gelenda was a wonderful person and welcome in our home as a daughter.
Shelia Evans
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Very sorry! Kristi and family, you are in my prayers. My God bless and comfort you always. I will certainly miss my classmate.
Bart Benson
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Sorry for y’all’s loss . Sure enjoyed working and aggravating Gelenda ??@ St. Bernards . She sure was a good cook , always bringing goodie . ??
Tammy Meeks
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Gary and Kristi,
Gelenda was one of my dearest friends the past 30 years. We have enjoyed many shopping adventures and restaurants. But our best trips always involved plants and flowers…..especially mums and pansies! She lit up when those bloomed! I will miss you dear friend and think of you when I see the flowers bloom.
Dannie White
Monday, March 4, 2024
RIP my dear friend Gelenda.
We walked together at graduation and wished each other well way back in 1967 at Brookland.
My condolences to the family, she was very kind during our school years.
Skip & Linda Hogue
Monday, March 4, 2024
Gary, Kristi and families: we are so so sorry for the loss of your precious wife and mother. Gelenda was a great friend as well as co-worker to me for many years at St. Bernards. I know she will be greatly missed. Hugs and prayers to you and your families especially for the difficult days now and to come.
Debbie Whitney
Monday, March 4, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Gelenda's family. What a treasure she was, always smiling and happy especially when she talked about her family. Those of us who knew her were so blessed.
Deepest sympathy,
Debbie Whitney
Sherry Smith Patterson
Monday, March 4, 2024
I am sorry Gary and Kristi. I love you as I loved Gelenda. I am praying for comfort for you and the whole family.
Rita Baker
Monday, March 4, 2024
You will forever be missed n loved by so many.
Doris Mchalffey
Monday, March 4, 2024
I'm so very sorry to hear about Gelendas passing I will miss her and hope to see her again in heaven
Carolyn cothran ray
Monday, March 4, 2024
Glenda will be so missed by many I enjoyed her friendship for many years she was a true friend