Tanya J. Cope

GREENVILLE—Tanya Johnson Cope, 82, of Greenville, SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2017. Born in Sherwood, Wisconsin on July 2, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Leo Johnson and Ruth Kinnerud Johnson. Tanya was a graduate of Michigan State University. She was a teacher, and then full-time mom. Surviving are her husband of 60 years, George G. “Jerry” Cope of Greenville; daughters, Cindy Tanico (Jimmy) of South Salem, NY, and Leah Hollingsworth (Tommy) of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Lily Tanico, Harrison Tanico, and Thomas Hollingsworth. Tanya was a kind, gentle, loving soul who never complained and saw the best in everyone. Her devoted husband Jerry cared for her in their home during her final years, which wouldn’t have been possible without the help and dedication of their daughter Leah, and of caregiver, Penny Pryor, who has become part of the family. Tanya’s Christian faith was strong, and we know she has taken her place with God in heaven. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209.A funeral service will be held at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205 at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2017 with the Reverend Josh McClendon officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 is assisting the family. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the McCall Hospice House of Greenville for their compassion and care for Tanya during her stay. Memorial donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central St., PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 210, Columbia, SC 29210.