Susan Jo Cope

Susan Jo Knickelbine Cope, 65, known to family and friends as “Granny Sue” or “Mama Sue”, passed away peacefully at home in Newnan, Georgia, June 13, 2009, after a brief illness. Susan was born February 19, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to CDR(ret.) Harry and Mrs. Dorothy Knickelbine. Susan’s love of people led her to a fulfilling career in nursing. She began her career in Pensacola, Florida, at Baptist Hospital in intensive care. She later became a pioneer in home health care where she helped start Pensacola’s first home health agency, Northwest Florida Home Health. After moving to Houston in 1988, she became a traveling nurse and later joined the staff of Herman Hospital as a cardiac nurse. Several years later she returned to her love of home health with Girling. After moving to Newnan in 2001, she worked for a short time at the old Newnan Hospital and later as a hospice nurse with Countryside. Eventually she returned to home health and worked for Central Home Health until her illness. Over her 40 years in nursing, Susan continually earned the love and respect of her patients and their families through her care and devotion. Susan enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, and her grandchildren. Susan is survived by two daughters, Sarah R. Cope of Madison, WI, LtCol USMCR and Special Agent, US State Department Diplomatic Security Service, and Katie Collins and her husband, Gordy; five grandsons: Don, Brad, Joe, Mac and Sam Collins, all of Newnan, GA; brother Mike Knickelbine and his wife, Vicky; and one niece, Jessica Knickelbine all of Pensacola, FL. Lifelong friends Sandra McNeilly, Beverly Single and Donna Arnett. More recent friends include Mary Mellon and Candace Wise and most importantly her many dear patients. She is preceded in death by her parents Harry and Dorothy (Radford) Knickelbine and her granddaughter Catherine Marie Collins. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com. A memorial service will be held Friday June 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newnan, GA. Rev. Matt Greathouse will officiate. A celebration of her life will be held following the service at her daughter’s house in Newnan, GA. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Vista Care Hospice 1585 Highway 34E Newnan, GA 30265 or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 576 Roscoe Rd. Newnan, GA 30263. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580

Susan Jo Cope

February 19, 1944 - June 13, 2009