Helen (Cope) Combs

Helen I. (Cope) Combs age 83 of Hamilton passed away in Hospice of Hamilton on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 1:55 PM. She was born in Hamilton on November 6, 1925 the daughter of Eli and Eura (Morgan) Cope. Helen was employed as a photo type setter for Champion International for 43 years, retiring in 1987. She was a member of REAP of Champion International, a 55 year member of the Princeton Pike Church of God, and a member of the Golden Piker’s of the church. Music has always been an important part of her life. She studied voice with the late Margaret Lockwood. Helen sang in almost every choir, from the Junior Choir, Senior Adult Choir, and the Amazing Grace Choir, all with the Princeton Pike Church of God. One of her proudest moments was when her church honored her for 50 years of service to the music ministry. She was a soloist for the spring concert when she attended Bible Training School. Helen was a member of the Musical Arts Club, where she served as the Secretary, Treasurer, Year Book Chairman, and President, at various different times. She served the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors as Secretary or Treasurer for 30 years. On September 23, 1978 in Hamilton she was married to Harlan Combs, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She is survived by a nephew, whom she raised as a son, Gary (Brenda) Cope of Hamilton; by the children she inherited from the union with Harlan, Pamela (Gene) Campbell, Cindy (Willie) Riley, both of Hamilton, Michael Combs of Breathitt County, Kentucky, Robert Combs of Booneville, Kentucky, and Donald (Linda) Combs of Batavia, Ohio; eight inherited grandchildren, Jason, Chris, Stacy, Faith, April, Angie, Walter, and Jerry; nine great-grandchildren, all who called her Granny Helen; a niece, Debbie Moore of Hamilton; twelve great-nieces and nephews, Amy, Becci, Cathy, Kevin, Brian, Dylan, Josh, Alexis, Kelly, Donnie, Derek, and Mark; a great-great niece, Pharron, all who called her Aunt Helen, and her beloved dog, Spanky. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clifford, Floyd, and Elias Cope; two sisters, Ruby and Hazel Cope; and two nephews, Donald and Daryl Cope.

Funeral services will be held at the Princeton Pike Church of God, 6101 Princeton- Glendale Road, on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Barry Clardy, Rev. Rick Witt and Rev. Ron Medley officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 330 Pershing Avenue, on Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Princeton Pike Church of God. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Hamilton for their loving care and concern. "She was a great lady."