Jo Ann Copas Bryant

Jo Ann Copas Bryant, age 93, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2025, at The Arbors at Westbrook Terrace surrounded by the love and memories of her family.
Jo Ann was born on March 16, 1932, in Warrensburg, Missouri, to George and Fern (Holloway) Warden. She grew up in her hometown and graduated from Warrensburg High School, already showing the determination and spark that would define her life.
It was at the local roller rink that Jo Ann met the love of her life, Donald D. Copas. Their connection was instant, and shortly after her graduation they were married on December 12, 1950. Together they welcomed two sons and created a beautiful, loving home until Don's passing in 1981. During those early years while the boys were in school, Jo Ann worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Whiteman. In 1970, the family relocated to Jefferson City for Don's position with United Telephone Company. Jo Ann found work at Scholastics for about 2 years before finding her way back to dental assisting. She worked for Dr. Kearnes until he retired and then went to work for Dr. Joe May. After Don passed in 1981, Jo Ann went to work for United Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator until retiring in 1994. Jo Ann was always dedicated and worked many hours through the great flood of 1993.
Jo Ann found companionship with James Bryant, and the two shared many years together until his passing in 2017.
She was a woman of many talents and passions. Jo Ann loved music-especially country-and was particularly fond of Willie Nelson. Family meant everything to her, and she cherished every moment spent with her sons and grandchildren. A gifted seamstress, she crafted her own suits for work and even created wedding dresses that brought joy to local brides. She had a knack for intricate handiwork and could spend hours tatting with remarkable detail.
Jo Ann enjoyed bowling and earned numerous 200 Club pins through her skill and dedication. She loved float trips and camping along the Current River, and she and Don were known for their incredible Jitterbug-so full of life and rhythm that it was unforgettable to watch. Card nights with friends brought her joy, as did the company of her beloved dogs and the parakeets she kept throughout her life, even during her time in the nursing home.
Faith was an important part of Jo Ann's life, and as her health allowed, she attended the Senior Sunday School class at Concord Baptist Church. She was fiercely supportive of her children, always making sure they knew she was their number one fan.
Jo Ann was feisty, hardworking, and full of energy. She had the gift of gab, and her laughter-bright and contagious-could light up an entire room. Her family was truly the center of her world, and her love touched each of them deeply.
She will be dearly missed, but her spirit, her strength, and her love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Survivors include her two sons, David Copas (Robin) of Platte City, Mo., Brion Copas (Hope) of Lohman, Mo.; five grandchildren, Ryan Copas, Emma Wiehe (Shane), Meghan Copas, Angela Basham (Bryan), and Jennifer Copas; four great grandchildren, Hazel Peterson, Brynlee Basham, Presley Basham, and Camden Basham; one brother, Jerry Warden (Cathy) of Plainfield, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands, Don and Jim; and one sister, Patty Burge.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 24, 2025, at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens, Warrensburg, Mo., with Minister Ralph Lemongelli officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Concord Baptist Church, 3724 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.