Anne E. Copper

BOARDMAN — Anne E. Copper, formerly of Plainfield, New Jersey, known to many as “Mee Ma,” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, surrounded by family.

Anne was born in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., daughter of Odell and Alline Burks Jordan, and moved to Plainfield at an early age. She attended Plainfield Public Schools and West Virginia State College, an HBCU. She continued her education, earning a degree in elementary education from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Isaac J. Copper, and a daughter, Dr. Beverly A. Copper-Butler. 

She is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Pam Copper-Parrish (Kevin) of Boardman; son, Dr. Derrick “T.C.” Copper (Laurel) of Tampa, Florida; four grandchildren, Brian Parrish (Mindy) of Columbus, Stephen Copper-Butler (Veronica) of Zephyrhills, Florida, Autumn Ellis (David) of Canton and Aaron Grebe of Heidelberg, Germany; and nine great-grandchildren, Malakai Melton and Alexis Parrish of Columbus, Kennedy Largent, Claire and Zoe Bastian of Toledo, Stephen Moyer of Girard, Pa., and Theodore, Aaliyah and Cameron Jordan Ellis of Canton; along with a host of friends and sorority sisters.

While living in Plainfield, Anne had her own catering / baking business for more than 15 years. When Sears in Fanwood, New Jersey, opened its store with a restaurant inside, Anne became their head food planner. After the restaurant closed, she worked as a long-term substitute teacher with the Plainfield Board of Education and later as an instructor at the Plainfield Adult Learning Center. She retired from the educational system as a first-grade teacher at Emerson School in Plainfield.

Anne was a member of St. Catherine of Sienna Parish-St. Luke Campus, where her love for cooking and her desire to give back inspired her to serve on the main meal ministry committee. She was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Theta Phi Omega Chapter, Plainfield, New Jersey, becoming a Silver Soror. She served diligently as their chapter chaplain for many years. She participated in community projects which raised scholarship monies, toy drives and donated necessities for children in Muhlenberg Hospital as well as the HUGS program. She helped to establish a senior citizen visitation program and was instrumental in setting up the homeless feeding program at the YMCA in Plainfield, New Jersey. While living in Boardman, Anne was very supportive of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Mu Omega Chapter of Youngstown.

Anne was very outgoing. If she met you as a stranger, she left you as a friend. She loved to meet people and travel, especially cruising. Along with her love for a good joke and dancing, Anne’s passions were children and education, which she made a priority. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a homeroom mom, sometimes covering three different classes at the same time, and a PTA president for several years. She was ever-present in all her grandchildren’s academic, sports and extracurricular activities; she was even “Mee Ma” to their friends. Anne had a very giving spirit and always made her house a “safe home” where everyone was always welcomed. 

The family would like to thank Lynne Grinham, Richard Milanek, Ed Reagan and Carlos Colmenares for their love and support for Anne over the years. The family is also grateful to Dr. James Demidovich and Roseann Lisko for their care and compassion for Anne.

Calling hours will be 9 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starrs Centre Drive, Canfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish-St. Luke Church, Boardman.

Anne will be laid to rest beside her husband and daughter. Interment will be in Franklin Memorial Park, North Brunswick, New Jersey.

Condolences may be sent to Anne’s family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com.