Joan Parks Cope

AIKEN, SC - Joan Parks Cope, 79, of Aiken, SC, peacefully passed away at her home on September 2, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Joan was voted the Sweet Heart of Sigma Chi at the University of New Mexico. She loved attending sporting events for her grandchildren and often helped in the concession stand and with post game treats over their careers. She adored traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family. Joan was very competitive and played Gin daily with her husband, Charlie, and loved playing Bridge and other games with her friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Llew Ellen Parks, and a sibling, Dianne (Butch) Anderson of Las Cruces, NM. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles Cope; her son, Chris Cope, his wife, Lori, and grandson, Nathan Cope, all of Augusta, Georgia; her daughter, Kim Hawley, her husband, Billy, of Johnston, South Carolina; grandson, Tucker Hawley, his wife, Becca, and great-grandson, Hunter Hawley all of Aiken, South Carolina; and grandson, Tanner Hawley, and his wife, Sarah, of Atlanta, Georgia.

Per Joan’s request, the funeral will be a private ceremony. Joan loved her dogs and rescued several over the years, therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter). Your donation may be made by check or through their online donation portal by credit or debit card. Please tell them “in memory of Joan Cope” Checks should be made payable to FOTAS and mailed to P.O. Box 2207, Aiken, SC 29802.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC 29803