Shirley Kay Cope passed away on Thursday, Aug 7th, 2025

Shirley Kay Cope passed away on Thursday, Aug 7th, 2025 with family by her side. Shirley was born
December 26, 1943 in Wichita, KS, daughter of William and Wilma (Rowland) Brittain.
Shirley grew up in Taney County and graduated from Branson High School in 1961. It was
during this time she met the love of her life and was married to Val Cope on Aug 25, 1962
in Harrison, AR and began their journey together in Forsyth. Their un-waivered love and
companionship for each other was a lifelong success story to their growth and
contributions to the Forsyth community.

Shirley began her career as a bank teller for then Bank of Taney County and its succession
to Boatman’s Bank of Taney County. Later she became a legal secretary for the Forsyth
Law Office under the direction of Lawyer’s Gail Fredrick and then Mike Merrell.
Along with her professional career, Val and Shirley began their family which included the
birth of their son Rick and later, daughter Candy. Her dedication to her career continued
until an illness (meniere’s) required her retirement, but the love and support to her family
and community continued.

Schooled, from her mother Wilma (Nanny B), in the true Ozarks way of cooking, Shirley
was known for her hot rolls, cakes, pies, and cookies. Many family gatherings, social
events, or good gestures were treated with something from Shirley’s kitchen in which she
would say the most important ingredient is love.

Her love was nonstop and continual to Val, Rick, Candy and the grandchildren that
followed, Matt, Samantha, Avery, and Sophia. However, when Val became sick and passed
away, so did her own health.

A bout with cancer, shingles, and ultimately dementia, her mental decline took its toll on
her liberty and finally her life. But in all of this decline, she continually showed her family,
friends, and care givers that the only ingredient she needed was love. Shirley is survived by her son, Rick Cope and wife Mona of Forsyth, MO., daughter CandyLapour and husband Jerry of Lampe, MO., four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and three sisters; Donna Pinnell, Kathy Brown, and Lana Savoy. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Val

Funeral services will be held at Snapp Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Tuesday August 12, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00, and burial at Ozarks Memorial Park in Branson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.