Miss Elinor Frances Copenhaver
(November 16, 1926 - April 21, 2011)

Elinor Copenhaver of Huntington, died Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. A Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 10:30 A.M. at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary. Miss Copenhaver was born November 16, 1926, the daughter of the late Oliver Argyle and Lesta Susan Blethen Copenhaver. She was preceded in death by her brothers Conrad W. Copenhaver and Oliver Argyle Copenhaver Jr. She is survived by nieces Mona Susan Copenhaver Barrabee of San Diego, California, Molly Elinor Copenhaver-Haught Jones of Johns Island S.C., nephews David Nathan Copenhaver and wife Elaine of Tupelo, Mississippi, and John William Copenhaver and wife Sandra of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Miss Copenhaver is also survived by many great and great grand nieces and nephews. Miss Copenhaver graduated from Huntington High School, and received the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marshall College, Masters Degree in Music Education from Columbia University in New York, and advanced studies at Northwestern University and Marshall University. Elinor Copenhaver served the Cabell County School System as a music instructor and as county music supervisor until her retirement in 1985. She was the first woman president of the West Virginia Music Educators association and is listed in Who’s Who in American Education. A lifelong member of the Methodist church, she has served in numerous capacities from Sunday school teacher to organist/pianist. She conducted many musical presentations and will be remembered for her enthusiasm and love for music and music education. She won many awards. Miss Copenhaver was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews during their childhood, adolescent, and adult years. She was a warm, joyful, and talented presence in all of their lives … and will be missed. The family would like to express gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and other staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House.