Mary Jean Cope Wakeam

Brandon, Ms

Beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, 76, passed away at her home on Monday, January 16, 2017, surrounded by her loving husband Ralph David Wakeam, three children, sister, and four grandchildren.

Mary was born on April 30, 1940 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to the late Clyde and Margaret Cope. The family later moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she spent the majority of her childhood and teenage years. She graduated from Bayview High School in Milwaukee. Mary met her husband Ralph in 1962, and they were married on October 3, 1964.

Mary and her family moved to Gadsden, Alabama in 1969 then transferred to Brandon, Mississippi in 1984.

From a young age Mary always had an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed the outdoors, biking, hiking, canoeing, and camping. She was also a very talented artist who found joy in drawing and painting. She was a fun loving free spirit who was always a joy to be around, with a smile on her face and a kind a word for whomever she met.

Mary enjoyed playing tennis and was active with several ladies Jackson tennis teams. She always had a fun loving and competitive spirit. Her family and friends all feel blessed to have known her and have had her in their lives.

Mary was very active in her church and devoted her life to serving the Lord.

Mary is survived by her dear husband Ralph D. Wakeam, daughters Christine Kay Wakeam and Kathryn Beth Walker, son Mark Wakeam, sisters Annette Mussmann and Pearl Cope, brothers Franklin Cope and Melvin Cope, Grandsons Joshua and Evan Wakeam, Granddaughter Morgan Cope Walker, and Grandson Paul Sharpe Walker IV.

Services will be held at Lakeland Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 21st. Viewing from 10:00 – 11:00 AM and services at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be made to Lakeland Presbyterian Church, 5212 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, MS 39232.