Faye Copous was born October 26, 1943, in Lamar, South Carolina, to the late Bernice and Naomi Yarborough. She grew up in the Philadelphia community of Darlington County, South Carolina. Her family all attended the Philadelphia Southern Methodist Church in the community. One of her early achievements was a perfect attendance record in Sunday School. She died peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at home under the care of Enhabit Hospice. Faye is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bob Copous.
As a child her parents took her to Florida to visit her Dad’s cousin. The vacation turned into a life-long love affair with Florida continuing her entire life. As retired adults, she and Bob seriously entertained the idea of moving to Florida. They wisely decided frequent month-long trips to The Villages would keep their visits more special.
Faye had an excellent sense of humor. She would often share her theory; she had been left as an infant on the steps of a poor farming family. To others looking in, she looked more like Scarlett O’hara in the estate of a big plantation. Despite the legend and humor, she was a true southern belle and classy lady.
Faye married the love of her life, Bob, on August 13, 1977, in Marietta, Georgia. They enjoyed 48 years together as a team.
Faye retired in 2012 and Bob in 2015. They always enjoyed traveling extensively in the continental USA, extended weekends, visiting family and becoming globe-trotting adventurers, fulfilling her childhood dream of seeing Paris.
Being a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt was her true calling and passion. Faye was a very strong-willed woman and extremely independent. She was the heart and soul of the family. Her wisdom was most valuable and appreciated. She was a great listener and shared her opinion without judgement.
Faye was an exemplary mother figure and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family and friends.
Faye learned to cook from her mother. Both were legendary. Faye read thousands of cookbooks and recipes. She would pick out the recipes of interest and incorporate those in her repertoire. She was a master in the kitchen and home, all the while making it look seamless and effortless. When she learned what your favorite dishes were, she would indulge you and make you feel special. Her homemade meals were eagerly anticipated by family and friends alike. She made family meals to foster communication, bringing warmth and love to make our house a home.
Faye’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and fostering a loving home environment. In every address she and Bob lived, she made a welcoming showplace. She had a keen natural eye for design. Twenty years ago, Bob wanted to keep his wife happy. He often advises other men to do this. She contemplated moving to a different house. Instead, the couple built on an addition. Now the family is left to enjoy Faye’s Florida Room.
Faye absolutely loved children, everyone’s children, her own, grandkids, friends’ children and strangers at the store. She would light up playing and talking with children. As the family grew and spread out, she never complained about people not visiting. Instead, she would say, “I know you’re busy. We’ll come see you.”
She is predeceased by her treasured parents, brothers and son Marty Odom.
She is survived by her son Dwayne Odom and his wife Robin; Bob’s children she helped to raise John Copous, Angela Copous, Frank Copous (Alixandrea).
She is further survived by all who called her “grandma”: Brittany (Christan) Kurti, Ariel (Bo) McEntryre, Ryan Odom, Ashley (Roberto) Guzman, Chandlier (Chloe) Harford, Bradon Fuller, Ash Fuller, Emma Guzman, Kayden Harford, Scarlett Harford, Theo Harford, Elias Harford, Waylon McEntryre, Caroline McEntryre, Christan Smith, Holden Copous, Preston Copous, Riley Copous, Jessica Copous, Kameron Yttrie, Brendan Fleming, Cooper Smith, Miles Smith and Caylee Gaumer.
One sister, Dorothy Lucas of Waynesville, North Carolina, survives Faye and one sister-in-law, Charlotte Copous of La Porte, Texas.
Faye treasured being an Aunt. She is survived by her favorite niece Pamela (Frederick) Polhemus. Favored nephews and niece include Marshall Copous, Corey (Alyssa) Stooksberry, and Maegan (Sean) Cox.
Lifelong friends and travel buddies Chuck and Lou Speer of Columbia, South Carolina, join the survivors. They enjoyed a special relationship and introduced Faye and Bob.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Albertville, Alabama.
