Carole Elena Jacops

Carole Elena (Wasman) Jacops, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 27, 2025, following an extended illness. Carole was born to Grace Maddox and Elmer Wasman on August 15, 1942, in Jacksonville, Florida. Although her parents separated shortly after her birth, she remained close to both. She also had four brothers who loved and protected her.

Carole met her future husband, Robert Jacops, through friends in Jacksonville. Nine days later, he asked her to marry him. After the engagement, Robert returned to his home in Kent, Ohio, and wrote her a letter every day telling her how much he loved her. After six months of long distance communication, they married in Jacksonville on June 9, 1962. For their honeymoon, they drove to Ohio, where Carole and Robert spent the rest of their lives.

Over 57 years of marriage, Carole and Robert accomplished a lot. They raised three boys, and those boys eventually produced 14 grandchildren. Carole always taught the boys that being “rich” meant being happy. By that measure, she was the richest person in the world. She had a dream marriage where they spent every hour of every day together and never argued. Her happiest times were when all the boys and grandchildren would gather at her house for a family meal of unmatched Southern cooking. One of their last times together came in 2017, shortly before her illness robbed her of her personality. The entire family traveled to Miami Beach to celebrate Carole and Robert’s 55th wedding anniversary. Carole’s best lifetime friend lived in the Miami area and joined the celebration. The memories from the trip will last forever.

In the early stages of her disease, she was able to leave the care center for special events. Even though she struggled to comprehend details, she always loved a fun event with family. Every time she returned to the care center, she would say, “That was fun. Are you coming back tomorrow?” We wish we could, Mom. We really do.

Carole’s beloved husband, Robert, Sr., passed away almost six years to the day of her own passing. She is survived by her three sons, Robert, Jr. (Randa), Randy (Pam), and Ryan (Alicia), 13 grandchildren (1 predeceased her), multiple nieces and nephews, and her brother David (Mary Anne) Baker of Jacksonville. Her joy and simple approach to life and family is a lesson we will all remember.

In honoring her wishes, Carole will be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 3:00PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240. Visitation will be prior to the service from 2:00-3:00PM on Saturday at the funeral home.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.