Joann Marie (Cope) Whitacre

Lisbon-Joann Marie (Cope) Whitacre, 85, of State Route 45, passed away quietly at 1pm, Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Salem Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Whitacre was born November 19, 1935 in Rogers, Ohio, a daughter of the late Berthol and Veda (Tullis) Cope.

Joann worked for many years at NAPA Auto parts as a bookkeeper before retiring.

She was a former member of the Lisbon VFW Post 4111 and the ladies auxiliary.

Joann enjoyed attending and helping with the music jams at the Rogers Sale prior to her husband Bobs passing.

Her husband, Robert “Bob” Whitacre, whom she married October 6, 2005, preceded her in death February 25, 2019.  She was also preceded in death by her sons, William “Bill” Gaston, Jr., and Benjamin “Benny” Gaston; sisters, Betty Cope, Evelyn Stacey, and Jane ( the late Fritz) Mullen; and brothers, Albert, Dale, Robert, Ronald, James and Jack Cope.

She is survived and will be dearly remembered by her son, Robert Gaston of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Barbara (Percy) Bussard, Jr. of Lisbon; grandchildren, Chelsea Wilson, Corey (Caleigh) Bussard, and Nathaniel Bussard; great grandchildren, Jaden, Gage and Clayton Wilson, and Emilene and Sawyer Bussard; sister-in-law Sorrelle Cope, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Eells-Leggett-Stauffer Funeral Home.  Private burial will follow at the Lisbon Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11am to 1pm, Thursday at the funeral home.  Please be reminded that face masks are required, do not linger, and social distancing protocols will be observed.  

Joann’s family wishes to send a special “Thank You” to the staff at Community Hospice and the nurses, doctors and staff at Salem Regional Medical Center for their loving care of Joann during her stay.

Friends may also view Joann’s memorial tribute page, share memories, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.com.  

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