Dorothy "Dot" Elaine Smith Cope

Dorothy Elaine Smith Cope, 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on September 18, 1933, in Grays, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Vergie Cope Smith. She shared nearly 58 years of marriage with her high school sweetheart, Robert Cope, a union marked by faith, devotion, and service.

Dorothy, affectionately known as “Dot,” was a graduate of Grays High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball. She dedicated 40 years of service to Westinghouse Corporation in Hampton, retiring as Administrative Assistant to the Marketing Director. Following retirement, she continued her servant’s heart by working in the Savannah River Baptist Association office, assisting with outreach and ministry programs.

Pine Level Baptist Church was truly Dot’s mission field. Raised in the church, she remained a faithful member for 85 years. She served as Choir Director for over 55 years, Sunday School teacher for 60 years, and also held the roles of Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. Many Saturdays were spent caring for the church and its grounds in preparation for Sunday worship. If the doors of Pine Level were open, Dot and Robert were there—always ready to serve.

She was an active member of the Ridgeland Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she held numerous offices. She especially enjoyed serving meals and sharing her famous seven-layer chocolate cake. Dot also faithfully served as treasurer of Grimes Cemetery for many years.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Don L. Cope and his wife, Pam; her grandson, Robert T. Cope; her brother, Joseph E. Smith (Carolyn) of Hampton, SC; sisters-in-law Frances Smith of Port Wentworth, GA, and Mary Smith of Pinnacle, NC; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Robert “Bob” Smith (Daisy), Lloyd Smith, Russell Smith, George Harold Smith (Linda), Henry Rufus Smith (Jennie V), Cot Smith, and Fred W. Smith; and her sisters: Mary Smith Mitchell (Richard), Lois Smith Chassereau (Horace), Frances Smith Patton (Bob), and Lucille “Bo” Smith Herndon.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Level Baptist Church, 2009 Pine Level Church Road, Early Branch, SC. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service at the church. Burial will follow at Grimes Cemetery on Grays Highway, Early Branch, South Carolina.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dot’s memory to Pine Level Baptist Church or Grimes Cemetery, c/o Robert Rowell, 896 Old Tram Road, Varnville, South Carolina 29944.