Helen Rhea Copas

Helen Rhea Copas, 90, of Gray, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 18, 2026. She graduated from Holston High School and was a member of Sulphur Springs Methodist Church. She was a Special Education Assistant at Sulphur Springs School and a CNA. Helen also worked with her daddy on the farm and did vegetable gardening with her mom. They grew produce to sell in Bristol during hard times. She loved her family, gardening, and helping in the tobacco patch. Helen preserved fruits and vegetables. She loved to crochet and made Afghans for everyone in the family.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Milburn and Grace Rhea; husband of 77 years, Sammy B. Copas; and seven brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Ray and Sharon Walker; children, Debra Houser, Joe Copas (Eva), Jennifer Dennison (Richard), and Danny Copas (Sharon); grandchildren, Brandon and Anthony Harless, Michael and Brigette Copas, Lauren and John Havlik, Hannah and Matthew Sifford, and Samuel Dennison; great-grandchildren, Jaicee, Colton, Holden, Oliver, Easton, and Elsie Rhea; and several nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the 300 Hallway staff at NHC for the care that gave to Helen.

The family will receive friends from 5pm – 7pm on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Blountville. A service will follow at 7pm with Pastor Scott Brady officiating.

A graveside service will take place at 11am on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Gray Cemetery.