Essie Martin Coppock

by Lynn McMillen
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Essie Martin Coppock died on Monday Nov 21, 2022 at her home in Roswell, Georgia a month before she would have turned 99 years old.

Essie was born Essie Clara Martin on Dec 24, 1923 in Walter (Cullman County) Alabama to Roy and Ida Martin. She was raised on a small family farm, a child of the depression and a charter member of America’s “Greatest Generation”. She grew up in a rambling farmhouse with her parents, her beloved Granny Foust, her three siblings, brothers Wib and Jim and her little sister Mary Ethel. When she was 5 years old, she starred in her Kindergarten’s production of “A Tom Thumb Wedding Pageant”, in which she “Married” a little boy from the adjoining farm named Huey Coppock. They subsequently dated through their years at Hanceville High School until they were “legally” married on May 2, 1942. While Huey served in Europe during World War II, Essie worked a variety of jobs, the most interesting being in a hand grenade factory. After the War ended, Essie and Huey moved to Auburn, Alabama where Huey worked towards his Engineering Degree while Essie worked in the registrar’s office. Upon Huey’s graduation, the couple relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee where their three children, Linda, Ronnie and Donald were born.

As our Nation’s Space Program emerged, Huey and Essie moved to Huntsville, Alabama where Huey took an Engineering position with NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center and Essie started her lifelong love affair with Huntsville and particularly, her cherished First Baptist Church. It was in Huntsville where she found her calling serving in various organizations including the Huntsville Woman’s Club, the Hillside Garden Club, and the Monday Morning Club. Also important to her, was her service to First Baptist Church, where she oversaw the toddler nursery department for nearly 25 years while also serving on various leadership committees. But first and foremost, she was a Mom, transporting Linda to piano lessons, dance recitals and her boys to their various sports activities. But church always was the priority. Whether it was Sunday School, Wed and Sunday night choir practices, church outings or camps, Essie had her kids there. Art also played a starring role in Essie’s life. First through ceramics and later oil painting. “Made by Essie” art is still found in a many a family member or neighbor’s home today. She loved arranging flowers whether working as a floral designer at Peggy’s Log Cabin or on the FBC floral committee.

Essie was most proud of being a wife, Mom and homemaker. But she was also a devoted daughter, loving sister, aunt, Grandmother (Mamaw) and Great Grandmother.

While we are so grateful to have had Essie with us for so long, we are also grateful to have had the privilege of sharing her with so many of her wonderful friends and family.

Our Mother was in love with life and life returned the favor.

In addition to her parents, Essie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Huey William Coppock; brothers Wilbert Martin and James Martin; sister Mary Ethel Mann; Daughter in-law, Sharon Coppock.

Survivors include daughter, Linda Coppock Luckett (Larry) Cleveland GA; son, Ronald Martin Coppock, Auburn AL; son, Donald William Coppock (Carol) Marietta GA, as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Visitation is to be held at First Baptist Church, Huntsville AL on December 3rd in the Chapel at 11:00 AM with Service to be held at 12:00. Burial to immediately follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.

The family requests that any donations be made to First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL

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