Melvia Jo Coppedge's Obituary
Coppedge, Melvia Passed peacefully from this life on June 7, 2012. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sheri Coppedge and Gena VanOsselaer; son-in-law, Tom VanOsselaer; grandchildren, Wendy and Rob Riddlemoser; Victoria and Trevor VanOsselaer; and great grandchild, Ryleigh Riddlemoser. Melvia was born in Itasca, TX on February 26, 1929 to MaryBell and Vestal Young. An only child, she received much loving devotion and guidance from her aunts Edna, Lena, Eva and Christine. She attended Itasca High School, where she was crowned “Prettiest Girl- Football Sweetheart”. She continued her education at Austin College, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies. It was at Austin College where she met and later married her college sweetheart, Gene Coppedge, with whom she raised a loving family. In her desire to continue learning and teaching, she also achieved her Masters Degree in Education from East Texas State University. Her great passion and joy in life was in serving as a kindergarten and special education teacher to hundreds of children at Moss Haven Elementary. She had the honor and privilege of introducing so many children to the first big step of their educational experience and making it a positive one. As one parent wrote, “You have taught our children so many things, yet, with a loving kindness which is crucial to being a good teacher. Our children will always retain an image of the ‘first’ teacher they had and they will recall with fondness many memories of you.” Melvia touched the lives of many children and their families as well as her colleagues and friends throughout her lifetime. Her family also wishes to thank longtime friend Emily Krause for her supportive friendship and her ‘bridge’ buddies. A private memorial celebration will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation
What’s your fondest memory of Melvia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Melvia?
Share a story where Melvia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Melvia you’ll never forget.
How did Melvia make you smile?