Marilyn Sue Copus Jerome

Marilyn Sue Copus Jerome passed away Dec. 22, 2024, in Blytheville, after a long battle with cancer—a battle she fought with the same passion and determination she demonstrated throughout her life.

Marilyn was born March 14, 1951, to Ethel and Milburn Copus in Thayer, Mo. She graduated from Highland High School, held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lyon College, and a Master’s degree from Arkansas State University. She was preceded in death by her parents and leaves her two children, Melissa Jane (Missy) Jerome Langston (Jeff) and Samuel Milburn Langston, both of Blytheville; her three sisters, Martha Lou Copus Russell (Jimmy), Inez Marie Copus Lunsford (Richard), Shirley Jane Copus Sharp (Elwin); and her pride and joy—four wonderful grandchildren, Captain Spencer Ross Jerome of Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., Lizzie Langston of Conway, Grant Langston of Memphis, Tenn., and Vallie Langston of Blytheville. Marilyn also leaves a strong legacy with her nieces and nephews, whom she held close throughout their lives, and she was adored by four devoted granddogs who enjoyed bedside treats with her regularly.

Marilyn was the oldest of four sisters, forever known as the “Copus Girls.” Her excellent leadership skills may have developed early since her parents depended on her to help with her younger sisters. She was never hesitant to make decisions or give direction, gaining the nickname “Sarge” as the girls grew older. She lettered in cheerleading at Highland High School, where, as a 1969 graduate, Marilyn was also crowned Homecoming Queen.

That was only the beginning. Marilyn’s long-time thirst for knowledge—as a child, she read under the blankets by flashlight—drove her toward education. Although she was a mother to two toddlers, she pursued higher education and with her success, she became an educator to others.

She began as an elementary classroom teacher in Blytheville, in a career that spanned over 40 years. She went on to serve in various Arkansas school districts, including Gosnell, Armorel and Greene County Tech. As a teacher and an administrator, Marilyn could be “Sarge,” but her care and respect for her colleagues resulted in deep and enduring friendships wherever she worked. Marilyn never lost sight of her purpose—to ensure the success of her students, giving them the education and life skills, they needed for bright futures. She founded Odyssey of the Mind programs, started Quiz Bowl, and focused on any tactic that motivated students to learn. Her grit and dedication elevated her to excellence as an education professional that affected countless lives. Even after retirement, Marilyn could not separate herself from public education. She took a substitute teaching job in Thayer, Mo., but it didn’t take long before she again took a classroom and continued teaching for another five years, stopped only by health challenges.

As a mother, Marilyn was no different. She was wickedly competitive, with full intentions of earning the championship at every family game night, whether at Trivial Pursuit, cards, or Scrabble. “Copie” instilled in Sam and Missy her values of independence, self-sustenance, and fearlessness—a legacy that has now extended to their children.

Marilyn, never one for fanfare, will be remembered at a private family service on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Hardy, followed by food and fellowship with visitors from 12 – 3 p.m. at Marilyn’s home on Sherwood Lake, 415 Woodland Hills Road, Hardy. Memorials may be sent to St. Bernards Development Foundation, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401.  https://www.stbernards.info/foundation/donate-online/. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.