Lee Cope

Livy “Lee” Cope, 72, went home to be with his Lord on January 14, 2024, following an 18 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Lee was born in Geneva, NY, and spent his childhood years in Chattanooga, TN until moving to Germantown, TN where he graduated from high school. After 2 years attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lee transferred to the University of Tennessee where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann, and began his love for the Big Orange Vols. He attended dental school at the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in Memphis and then specialized in pediatric and special needs dentistry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio. After residency, he moved to Jackson, MS, where he established his dental practice. Lee worked as a pediatric dentist for over 35 years and treated kids and special needs patients from all over the area. He was passionate about everything he did. He loved his profession and the countless lives he touched through practicing dentistry. His patients and staff became like family and were some of his best friends.

Lee loved his friends and family. He loved spending time at Lake Bruin with his kids and grandkids. He was an avid bow hunter and loved sharing this hobby with his son and many friends, planning special trips around the country and in Africa.

Lee also loved his church. He was a member of First Baptist Jackson where he taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, and helped establish the Go Fund, Go Center, and Mission First. He went on mission trips to Belize, Honduras, Trinidad, Haiti, and Botswana and met many needs locally. His life was all about ministry and missions and serving others. He was committed to discipleship as he loved bringing people alongside him to help them grow in their faith. He was always ready to tell someone about Jesus and give them a book.

As his disease progressed, one of the last things he could speak with clarity and strength was God’s Word. Hiding God’s Word in his heart was one of his passions and commitments, and it proved evident when all else was lost.

Lee lived a very full life with Parkinson’s disease for many years. He traveled with his family and friends, hunted with his buddies, built many projects with his hands, and shot his bow and arrow. He was instrumental in establishing a local Rock Steady Boxing group, an exercise and support group that ministers to patients with Parkinson’s. He never once complained about his disease, but lived it with purpose and with Jesus in mind.

Woodworking, archery, and running were some of his favorite hobbies. He always had a project in progress. He has crossed the finish line and completed his final project of life….seeing Jesus. His legacy will live on in his children, his grandchildren, and the countless lives in which he invested.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Livy Lee Cope and Carolyn Hodo Cope. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Mary Ann Curry Cope; children: Elizabeth Rich (Mark) of Ridgeland, MS; Susan Fortenberry (Brian) of Clinton, MS; Carrie Melton (Lawson) of Cleveland, MS; and Caleb Cope (Amber) of Clinton, MS; sisters: Sharon Lucas (Chuck) of Memphis, TN and Mary Lynn Kirby (Hugh) of Fayetteville, GA; and grandchildren: Grayson Fortenberry, Ellis Rich, Maggie Rich, Ellen Claire Fortenberry, Emily Fortenberry, Mary Lofton Melton, Charlie Rich, Caleb Fortenberry, Levi Cope, Anna Grace Melton, Shepard Cope, and Forrest Cope.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 18th In Fellowship Hall East of First Baptist Church Jackson MS from 5:00-7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 19th at 12:00pm in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Jackson.

Memorials can be made to: The GO Fund of First Baptist Church, PO Box 250, Jackson, MS, 39205 or But God Ministries, 118 Homestead Dr. Suite D, Madison, MS, 39110.