Bobbie Jean Jackson Cope was born in Eldorado, Arkansas on June 6, 1929 to her proud parents, Professor N. F. and Mrs. Ruth Jackson. Her parents were the "life blood" of Eldorado's Washington High School and surrounding community. Bobbie's father was the school's Principal and her mother taught English, Music and Drama. Active in their Church as well, Bobbie's parents touched the lives of generations in Eldorado and throughout Arkansas. N.F. and Ruth instilled the love of God, Family, Music, Education and service to the community in all their children. The fifth of six children, Bobbie was smart, beautiful and outgoing. Bobbie had flair! As a youngster, she began carving out her own place and unique expression among her four sisters and brother. Young adulthood found her to be outgoing and gregarious and she embodied the best of the valuable teachings cultivated by her parents. After graduating from Washington High School, Bobbie attended Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal (AM&N) College – now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. During her Junior year (1949), Bobbie won the highly coveted, "Miss Spirit of Cotton" regional talent contest, held annually in Memphis. As the contest winner, Bobbie visited the country's major Midwest and Eastern cities publicizing the contest and her college. She also appeared on radio and television shows during this exciting period. In Washington, DC, Bobbie became the first Black person to be named, "Miss Television for a Week." Bobbie graduated from AM&N in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She taught in Arkansas until 1954, when she married her college sweetheart, Hobart M. Cope. The couple lived in San Diego briefly before settling in Brooklyn, New York in 1956. Two children were born to Bobbie and Hobart – Nancy and Leslie. Just as her parents instilled a love of Music, Education and Service in their children, Bobbie continued the tradition. Leading by example, she earned her master's from Columbia University, Teacher's College in 1972 while working full-time as a teacher. Since the early sixties, Bobbie and her family enjoyed membership at the prestigious Riverside Church and for many years, she and Hobart sang in the choir. From 1957 until she retired, Bobbie also taught in the New York City Public School System. Bobbie departed this life on May 19, 2021 joining her parents; and siblings, Ruth Faye, William, Esther, Naomi and Grace. She is survived by: her beloved daughters, Nancy Cope and Leslie Brothers; grandchildren, Jordan and Chelsea Brothers; and son-in-law, Marvin Brothers. She will be missed by: nieces, Millicent Eubanks, Jill Petty, Audrey Petty and Miriam Petty; a nephew, Brian Eubanks; brother-in-law, Joe Petty; as well as a host of extended family members and friends.