Mary Martin Coppenbarger

Mary Clarinda “Linda” Martin Coppenbarger, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 23, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born on October 13, 1938, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Linda lived a life defined by faith, family, and service to others.

Linda married the love of her life, Charles Loren Coppenbarger, Sr., in February 1957 in York, South Carolina. Together, they built a simple, wonderful life, moving to Kansas City in 1958, where they settled, raised a family, and became deeply rooted in their community. Their love story spanned three decades before Charles’ passing in 1987, after which Linda remained a devoted widow.

Linda held various roles throughout her life, including typist, typesetter, realtor, and proofreader, retiring as a receptionist in Kansas City. Her true calling, however, was in her unwavering commitment to her Lord, church and community. A cherished member of Nall Avenue Baptist Church since 1962, Linda joyfully taught children’s Sunday School for decades, served on numerous committees, sang in the choir, and contributed to countless church events. Her faith was her compass, and she lived as a quiet minister to others, offering help, encouragement, and steadfast love.

Linda was a talented square dancer, a lover of dinner theaters, and an avid fan of the dominoes game 42. She and Charles shared countless joyful moments with friends and family. Her heart was always open to those in need, reflecting the depth of her faith and generosity.

Linda is survived by her sons, Charles Loren Coppenbarger, Jr., his wife, Cecelia, of Blue Springs, Missouri, Scott Coppenbarger and his wife, Donna, of Jones, Oklahoma. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren (with another on the way), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and twin infants, Perry Martin and Linda Jane Coppenbarger, who passed shortly after birth in 1961. She will be buried beside her husband at Johnson County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.