Francine Jones Coppage, most recently of Swansboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at the age of 87.

The youngest of four sisters and a brother, Francine was born in Bemiss, Georgia, to parents Irvin William Jones and Verdie Duggan Jones and grew up in Valdosta, Georgia. She graduated from Pine Grove High School, where she met her future husband, Orrie Coppage. They were married in 1958.

Francine was an aspiring actress while in high school, appearing in numerous musical and other productions. Later in life, she enjoyed acting in local productions sponsored by the Lowndes County Arts Commission. In addition, she participated in other artistic endeavors throughout her life, including flower shows, painting and attending musical and theatrical productions in the South Georgia/North Florida area. She also enjoyed birdwatching. 

Francine loved genealogy and poking around in old cemeteries and archives. Many people throughout the country benefitted from the knowledge she obtained and shared freely with others. She also enjoyed traveling with Orrie, and was able to visit most of this country and a number of European countries. Francine (and Orrie) enjoyed antique hunting and depression glass collecting and, much to their young children's chagrin, spent considerable time enroute to family vacations stopping at almost every flea market and antique shop along the way.

Francine was a great dog lover, with some of her beloved pets named Friskie, Skipper, Pug and Honey. One of Francine's early pets was a baby chicken she named Betsy, who grew up to be a beautiful Rhode Island Red Rooster.  More recently, she very much enjoyed the company of her daughter and son-in-law's dogs, Piper and Daisy. 

Following Orrie's time in the Army, Francine and Orrie lived in Valdosta, where they were long-time members of Central Avenue Church of Christ. While a young child, Francine's father dropped her off at the Church which she bravely entered not really knowing what awaited her. She soon developed an enduring faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ and she greatly influenced her entire family to do the same. Eventually, she would serve as the secretary for the Church and as a Sunday School teacher.

Orrie and Francine raised their children, Kent and Celeste, in nearby Dasher, Georgia. When the children were older, Francine worked part-time as a secretary for a number of federal agencies. Consistent with her love of the arts, Francine encouraged her children's own musical and other artistic endeavors and relished attending every concert, recital and play. Of course, she also followed her grandchildren's exploits with pride and was thrilled to meet her newly-arrived great-grandson recently. 

Francine will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 68 years, Orrie; daughter and son-in-law, Celeste and Robert Cairns; son and daughter-in-law, Kenton and Kay Coppage; grandchildren, Nathaniel Cairns (and wife Kathryn), Kathryn McCarn (and husband Jacob), and Lillian Coppage; and great-grandson, Noah McCarn. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ruby Coppage and Wanda Dickerson, and many nephews and nieces.

Francine was pre-deceased by her brother, Irvin William Jones, Jr.; sisters, Audrey Peters, Iva Parker, and Verdie Carter; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joel R. Peters, Donald Parker, Edward Carter, Billy West Coppage, and Ruby and Vince Boyles.

Francine's family wishes to thank the following, who lovingly assisted with her care: Erin Griffith, Edna Wagler, Juanita Bowen, Kim Livingston, Laura Deptola, and Christine Long, as well as the staff of The Landings of Swansboro. 

A service will be held at a later date at Dasher Cemetery, in Dasher, Georgia.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.