Cover photo for Wanda Mae Cope's Obituary
Wanda Mae Cope Profile Photo

Wanda Mae Cope

January 3, 1939 — December 8, 2022

Hot Springs

Wanda Mae Cope

 

Wanda Mae Cope, 83, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on December 8, 2022, after a brief illness and a long battle with dementia.

 

Wanda was born in Mercedes, Texas to Claude Jack Fulfer, Jr. and Bernice Clarine Fulfer on January 3, 1939. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Janette.

 

She worked her way through school and graduated with a BA in Education from Texas Southmost College, in Brownsville, TX and then graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Education from Abilene Christian College in Abilene, TX. Education was very important to her, and she was a teacher at heart whether at home, in a school classroom, or Bible class. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

 

Wanda was the loving mother to three children: Laura Langham, Julia Togami, and Eric Cope. They, the children, remember her as a wonderful homemaker and mother, cherishing fond memories of going to the river for picnics and making many art projects.

 

Wanda was a talented seamstress and artist. She would often stay up late in the night sewing clothes for the girls so they could have them “hot off the press” the next day! She loved using her artistic talents for wedding showers and baby showers, making ring-bearer pillows, organdy flowers, and guest booklets. Wanda helped run two businesses in Neosho, MO, Towne and Country Carpet and Eye Spy Bus Monitors. Wanda never met a stranger! Everyone was a potential friend, opening her home to family and friends at every opportunity.

She moved to Hot Springs, AR, with her mother, in 2009 to live with her daughter, Julia.

 

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Laura and Andy Langham of Piedmont, OK; Julia and Tim Togami of Hot Springs, AR; and Eric and Geri Cope of Kirkwood, MO. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Nichole (Robert) Morris, Gabrielle (Brent) Zweifel, Carissa Togami, Benjamin, Everlie, Delaney, and Daniel Cope; and three great-grandchildren, Sadie Morris, and Barrett and Zachary Zweifel. She was affectionately called NeNe by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

 

Many thanks to the Lake Hamilton Health and Rehab staff for taking good care of her over the past year. Thanks also to CHI ICU staff for the care and comfort given to Wanda.

 

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday December 16 at Smith Funeral Home, 2205 Airport Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

 

Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM, December 17, 2022, at Rush Fork Cemetery with Michael Cox officiating.

Pallbearers: Lessel Collier, Billy Hayes, Drew Hudgens, Matt Mckee, George Pianalto, Donnie Pogue, Brent Zweifel.

 

In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Wanda’s name to Neosho Christian School in Neosho, Mo: https://neoshochristianschool.com/resources/ 

 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Mae Cope, please visit our flower store.
In light of increasing scams, all guestbook entries will now be approved by us. At Smith Family Funeral Homes, safeguarding the privacy and personal memories of your loved ones for family and friends is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, December 16, 2022

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

Smith Family Funeral Home - Hot Springs

2205 Airport Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Saturday, December 17, 2022

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 592

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree