Micki, Mom, Nana, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, August 5th, with her family by her side.  She was at last, reunited with her husband and love of her life, Bob Coplan and her beloved son, Gary Coplan.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Liz Coplan, Karen Lewis (Rick) and Pam Coplan; former son in law, Rip Wright, grandchildren, Ryan Coplan (Brooke), Will Wright, Ben Beasley, Rob Wright (Lindsey), Annie Wright and Hillaree Durso and her beloved great grandchildren, Ava Coplan, Lucca Coplan, and Josephine Montgomery. She will be greatly missed by her loving brothers, Robert L. Gray (Charlotte), Russell T. Gray Jr. and sister Shirley McDonald (Buddy); also many loving nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Micki was born to Elizabeth Laye and Russell T. Gray on May 31st, 1933 in Batesville, Mississippi.  At the mere age of six weeks, little Micki’s young mother took ill and passed away from complications of pneumonia. As a young single father during the depression, Russell found work at a CCC camp and had to find a loving home for his precious daughter. Although there were many family members who loved her dearly and volunteered to take her, Russell chose his cousin Daphne Martin and her husband D.K. to provide a loving home for little Micki until he was able to do so.  In 1935, Russell fell in love and married Telette May Little and they returned to Batesville.  Forever grateful to Daphne and D.K., Russell was ready to take on his role as husband and father once again.  Russell and Lette went on to provide little Micki with 2 brothers and a baby sister.  They grew up in Batesville and had a very happy childhood, growing up with 16 cousins nearby.  Micki was a charming and engaging child and was loved by many.  She was crowned Little Miss Batesville at the age of 5 and Miss Batesville at 17.  She was very active in school and church; cheerleading, singing in the choir and playing piano.  

After graduating high school, Micki left Batesville and headed to Dallas Texas to live with her Aunt Claire and Uncle Walter Laye and began her life’s adventure.  It was there she met Bob.  It was love at first sight and they were married six weeks later.  Bob and Micki traveled the world, learning each other’s hobbies and sports, Bob learning to dance and Micki learning how to bowl and play golf.  Together they made lifelong friends, and developed a true and loving marriage.  They were blessed with three children and were married 38 years before Bob’s untimely death in 1989. It was a heartbreaking end to a beautiful partnership.  Micki never considered remarrying always saying, “How could I ever follow an act like that”?

 Micki loved being a stay at home mother, volunteering at school and making decorated cookies for all the kids in class. After the family grew up and relocated back to the Fort Walton Beach area Micki spent many years at the Okaloosa County Clerk’s Office, and as Judicial Assistant to Judge Jerry Tolten.  She enjoyed those years tremendously and made many friends.

After retiring, Micki enjoyed the “easy life”, entertaining family, spending time at her grandchildren’s functions, learning to crochet, playing dominos, playing piano and just relaxing at home with her little dog “Prissy”.  She enjoyed a lifelong love of music, a legacy passed on to her grandchildren. Micki was a loyal friend, a loving sister, a caring daughter, a doting wife and a wonderful mother. We will miss her beautiful smile.  

“Thank you” to Shannon and Dr. Gilbert Vigo for their tender care, and a special thank you to our dear friend Jan Maines for many years of friendship.

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