Pauline Brown Copes

Pauline Brown Copes, 92, of Cynthiana, KY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at her home. Born on June 23, 1933, at her family's farm in Harrison County (Boyd), she was one of four children and the only daughter of the late Hendrix and Delia Frances Courtney Brown. A 1952 Morgan High School graduate, Pauline loved her family, neighbors and friends, and she made the most of every day. On Oct. 15, 1954, she married Rodney Thomas Copes, and they were blessed with 36 years together before he preceded her on Oct. 23, 1990. For 27 years, Pauline's easy smile and friendly nature greeted the Eastside School children as they arrived at the cafeteria, where they enjoyed her talented cooking, served up with sides of life lessons, like good manners and respect. With her parents, she belonged to the Boyd Methodist Church until 1970, when she moved her membership to the Elmarch Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and worshiping there for 66 years. Pauline enjoyed being a charter member of the Mary Henson Circle, formed in 1970. She was also a former President of the Farm Bureau Ladies Committee. Pauline brightened every room she entered and every event she attended with her quick wit and astute observations, always delivered directly and genuinely. Young at heart, she leaves a world of precious memories for those who loved her and a powerful example of how to live your faith daily and humbly.

Surviving to cherish her legacy are her two children: Danny Ray (Connie) Copes of Cynthiana and Cathy Frances (James) Rose of Omaha, Nebraska; three grandchildren: Andrea Rose (Tim) Smith, Mary Carol Rose (Ian) Casasola and Thomas Wayne Copes; three great grandchildren: Julian, Oliver and Finnegan Smith; one brother Francis "Shorty" Brown of Melbourne, KY; two borrowed daughters: Tressie Brown Faulkner and Kelly Ann Wachter; and a host of extended family and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers; Gearin Brown and Donald Brown.

Visitation will be held from 10-1 pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Elmarch Methodist Church: 221 Old Lair Road, Cynthiana, KY 41031, with the funeral service immediately following at 1 pm, officiated by Terry McDuffey. Interment will take place in the Battle Grove Cemetery, Cynthiana. Memorials are suggested to the Elmarch Methodist Church. Care for the family is entrusted to Woodhead Funeral Home, Berry.