Phoebe Elisabeth Copes, 97, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2013 at home. Phoebe was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 13, 1916. She was the oldest of six children born to Alice Tobin and Richard Smith. She was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, and a formidable bridge and Scrabble opponent. She also worked as a writer for the Daily Local News and the Delaware County Times, and published many feature articles in regional Pennsylvania and Florida publications.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis, sisters Alice and Cora, and brother Keith. She is survived by brother Ted, sister Penny, daughters Elisabeth and Frances, son Edward (Debey Von), and grandchildren Molly McCombe (TJ Callahan), Marcos Duque, Matthew Duque, Francis Copes (Haydy Rodriguez), and James Copes. Memorial donations may be made to Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia Flagler (hovf.org)