Sylvia Brown Cope

Sylvia Brown Cope March 31, 1924 – June 22, 2014 Sylvia Brown Cope was born in Bennington, NE to Fred and Selma Paulsen on March 31, 1924. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Wes Brown and Norman Cope, her son Ronald Brown, and sisters Frances Splittgerber, Fern Schneekloth, and Anita Holstein Johnson. She is survived by her sons James and Vicki Brown and Kenneth and Mary Lou Brown and daughter-in law, Debra Brown, grandchildren and great grandchildren Melissa and Kayla Prouty, Mara and Rusty Tamblyn, Megan and Kyle, Julia, Jade, and Grant Ringenberg, Amy and Blake, Hannah, Madison, and Carson Roux, Chris and Lindsay, Kaden, Conner, and Ellie Brown. She had a number of nieces and nephews for which she was their only living aunt. She grew up in Bennington and graduated high school there and later graduated from Omaha University. She began her teaching career in Douglas County Rural schools and the last 26 years of her 37 years was a Kindergarten teacher at Minne Lusa Elementary school in Omaha, where she retired in 1985. She was active in the Early Childhood Educators International, serving on local, state, and national offices. She and Wes lived in the Benson area for 49 years and were members of the Benson Presbyterian Church. They wintered in Zapata, Texas in Cope’s RV Park until he passed away. She moved there permanently and married Norman Cope in 2000. She has been active in the Methodist Church, in the American Legion Aux, and served as Scholarship and Girls State Chairperson for many years. Both of her husbands served in WWII and were life members of the VFW. She was active in the Benson Post 2503 while in Omaha. After Mr. Cope’s death she continued to manage the RV Park and the winter Texans that stayed there became her extended family. She loved and was loved by her family and the many friends in her long lifetime. Celebration of Life, Friday, 11:00 AM at Benson Presbyterian Church (5612 Corby St. Omaha, NE) Family receiving friends beginning at 10:00 AM. Private inurnment Memorials can be directed to the church. Celebration of Life, Friday, 11:00 AM at Benson Presbyterian Church (5612 Corby St. Omaha, NE) Family receiving friends beginning at 10:00 AM. Private inurnment