Obituary of Bettie Dale Copper Comer

Bettie Dale Copper Comer, 86, of Roanoke passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2021 surrounded by family. She was a selfless, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend who took great joy in helping others. She was the daughter of Francis and Trent Copper of Buena Vista before moving to Roanoke with her mother and brothers. Bettie graduated from Jefferson High School in 1952 and then attended Radford University before transferring to and graduating from the University of VA with a BS in Education in 1956. Bettie married Dr. James E. Comer in 1956. She initially taught school in San Antonio, Texas before moving to Ft. Belvoir. In 1964, she and Jim returned to Roanoke where they raised four children.

Bettie was a very creative and loving person. She was involved with early education tutoring at Crystal Spring Elementary School, Meals on Wheels and teaching Bible study at church. She loved sewing, gardening and her family. Bettie never met a quilt she did not like and she truly enjoyed her bridge group and celebrating the 4^th of July.

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jim Comer; her parents: Francis, and Trent Copper; her brothers: Sam and Tod Copper; and her grandson, Edward Comer.

Bettie is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Baker (Husband Greg); Sons: William Edward (Ted) Comer, James Alvin Comer (wife Julie) and Benjamin D. Comer (wife Brandon); and grandchildren: Kaki Comer, Minor Smith, Ragan and Logan Comer, Jimmy Smith, Bridges and Mackenzie Comer, Ikie Smith, Sam and Chris Comer and Zach and Calab Baker.

If you wish to honor Bettie’s memory, we suggest a donation in her memory to Heartland Hospice Serving Western VA or Greene Memorial Methodist Church. The family will have a private celebration of Bettie’s life at a later date. Arrangments by Simpson Funeral Home (540)366-0707.