Thelma Baird Copas

Mrs. Thelma Baird Copas, age 94, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2011. Thelma was born in Elk Park, North Carolina, but was a proud inhabitant of Washington County, Tennessee, for most of her life. She was the daughter of the late William Monroe and Josie Oaks Baird. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Charles Anderson Copas, along with her two daughters, Dianne Baird Copas and Elizabeth Susan Copas Taylor. During her nursing career, Thelma started the Obstetrics Department at Old Memorial Hospital in Johnson City and went on to be the charge nurse at the Johnson City Eye Hospital for decades. Even after she retired in 1980, she continued to use her nursing gifts in the lives of her family and friends. Thelma was baptized in the Christian Church as a child and was a long time member of First Christian Church of Johnson City. Her faith in Christ was her guiding light and enabled her to endure much suffering with strength and grace. She was always reading her Bible and encouraging those around her in their faith. Thelma was a true servant and always put the lives of her family ahead of her own. Survivors include her son-in-law Charlie Taylor and his wife Ginger, granddaughter Abby Taylor Frazer and her husband Findley, granddaughter Ginny Taylor, grandson John Taylor and his wife Emily, great-grandchildren Virginia Baird Frazer, Wills Frazer and Elizabeth Frazer, her cousin Sharon Elliott as well as other family members. Her family wishes to thank the caregivers from Legacy Home Care and the staff at Appalachian Christian Village for loving and serving Thelma over these last few months. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday at Morris-Baker. The graveside service for Mrs. Thelma Baird Copas will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2011, in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Mr. Steve Hill, Minister at First Christian Church, will officiate. Family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 2:30 p.m. Sunday to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church, 200 East Mountcastle Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601 or Niswonger Childrens Hospital, 400 N. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37604.