JoAnn Copley

JoAnn (Jo) Copley (May 22, 1942 - May 26, 2026)

JoAnn Copley, 84, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on May 26, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Born to George B. and Callie Ison (Fields) of Skyline, Kentucky, Jo’s life was defined by love, joy, and devotion to her family and church.

Jo attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she played softball, and later taught preschool and elementary school students. She met Walter Franklin “Frank” Copley, Jr., her husband of 45 years, and moved from Kentucky to Ohio, where she began working for General Motors before retiring.

Jo enjoyed many happy years of retirement with Frank. She loved spending time outdoors with him, tending to their vegetable and flower gardens, which brought her-and everyone who knew her-a great deal of joy. Her yard was always a bright, welcoming place for hosting summer picnics and fall hayrides…and an occasional softball game.

Jo was a devoted member of her church (Northern New Home), where she made lifelong friends who cared deeply for her.

She was very welcoming to visitors and new members, taking special care to get to know them and ensure they felt comfortable and loved. After church services, she enjoyed sitting down for dinner with her church family. Her signature dishes included chicken noodles, green beans, and family-favorite biscuits and gravy.

She enjoyed listening to music, especially songs sung in the lined-out tradition of Old Regular Baptist churches. Jo also loved singing hymns and other songs during sing-alongs at her facility. She often reminded us that the performers had told her she had a beautiful singing voice. Creative and full of humor, Jo also performed in holiday skits-at one memorable Halloween event, she appeared as none other than Elvira.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, George B and Callie Ison; her husband, Frank Copley; her sisters, Mary Holcomb (Wilmer), Frankie Sebastian, Netta Hickman (Warren), and Mae Whitaker (Bill); her brothers, Minuard Ison (Sally), Coburn Ison (Carolyn), Zenith Ison (Pat), and James Ison; her stepson, Terry Copley; and her granddaughter, Sophia Rose Margiotta.

She is survived by her sisters, Gertie Ison (Arvle) and Junie Turner (Frank); her brother, Cass Ison (Bonnie); her daughter, Melissa Margiotta (Guy); her stepdaughter, Elaine Purcell (Doug); and her stepson, Mitch Copley. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Michelle Purcell (Mike), Christina Purcell, Doug Purcell, and Gianna McCoy (Justin); many nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much and with whom she always enjoyed spending time.

Jo will be deeply missed by her friends, staff, and nurses at Ashford at Sturbridge, as well as by the hospice team at Capital City Hospice-all of whom affectionately called her JoJo.

Jo will be remembered for her kindness, her love for her family, and the warmth she brought to those around her. Her kindness and love left the world a little brighter for all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sophia Rose Margiotta Foundation, Inc. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to local charities that we believe Sophia would have loved, such as Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and the Hilliard Education Foundation.

https://srmargiottafoundation.wordpress.com/donate

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 11:00am until time of funeral service at 12:00pm at the NEWCOMER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, Ohio 43065. Interment to follow at Alton Cemetery, Galloway, Ohio.