Jenny Watts Copher
Jennifer Lynn (Watts) Copher, age 35, of St. Charles, daughter of Kent and Jackie Watts, was born August 11, 1988 in Springfield, Missouri. She was welcomed into the arms of her heavenly Father on Friday, April 5, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jenny had a huge heart for children and worked tirelessly to make their lives better. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy she worked for Select Rehab serving children in the East St. Louis School District. She also worked PRN for Missouri Baptist Hospital as a new graduate of Maryville University and throughout the next nine years. Her physical therapy work continued through the Missouri First Steps program and she was able to work with children in their own homes before and throughout her diagnosis. Jenny’s favorite job was doing equine therapy for TREE House of Greater St. Louis. Her dream was to someday own her own stable and combine her love of horses and children.
Some of Jenny’s special memories during her life included: riding horses with her Grandpa Green, enjoying time on the water with friends, and camping trips with family. She loved to be outdoors and was always discovering new places, like knowing where all the best city parks were and traveling internationally when she was able. However, Jenny’s favorite place to be was with her boys and her husband Dan making memories and sharing laughter.
Jenny was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Bill and June (Smith) Watts, and her maternal grandmother, Phyllis (Lowrey) Green.
Jenny is survived by her husband, Daniel Copher, of St. Charles, MO and her children, Will-age 5 and Wyatt-age 3; her parents, Kent and Jackie (Green) Watts of Rogersville, MO; her father and mother-in-law, Bryant and Deanna (Walker) Copher of Dardenne Prairie, MO; her sister, Melinda (Watts) Van Aalsburg and her husband Daniel of Mountain Grove, MO; her sister-in-law, Jamie (Copher) Vance and her husband Joe of Wentzville, MO; and her maternal grandfather, Bill Green of Rogersville, MO. She is also survived by her nieces and nephew: Faith Vail, Rowan Van Aalsburg, Jackson Vance, Emilia Vance, and many relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Jenny was a Christian and her faith and belief in God always remained an important part of her life. She was able to share her faith and care for others through her love of crocheting. Jenny spent countless hours making blankets, stuffed animals, angels, and other treasures to bless the lives of the people around her. Jenny’s desire to help others extended even to the end of her life and she was able to fulfill her wish to be an organ donor through the gift of her eyes. Jenny’s lasting legacy is her unwavering dedication to making the lives of others better.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Gone way too soon 💔 Her choices in life speak volumes of the beautiful soul she was. Heaven has gained another angel ! The Cafazza’s send our deepest condolences (Friends of Joe and Jamie)
When I started working in the East St. Louis school district, Jenny helped me every step of the way. I would have been lost without her. We had some great laughs, and I always had so much admiration for her and the way that she connected with the students that she is served. She was an amazing person and I know that she will be deeply missed. Thinking of her family and keeping you all in my prayers.
I’m so sorry for all of your loss. I’m sending many hugs and prayers up for you all. I love your family so much just know your in my thoughts and prayers ❤️
Jenny was a beautiful soul! I met Jenny working at Vivian Adams in East St. Louis. She was always so personable and welcoming. Jenny and I shared a special connection. We both were pregnant at the same time twice and our kids were only a month or two apart. When Will started preschool, Jenny asked if I would be his teacher. Of course, I said yes and had the pleasure of teaching her firstborn baby and getting to know her better. She was always so thoughtful and I looked forward to her visits to the classroom. I can’t believe such a beautiful person is gone and I miss her deeply. Words cannot describe how sorry I am for the loss of such a special person.
Meeting Jenny was so awesome. We worked together for the last seven years in East St. Louis. Her care, kindness, and concern for children should never go unnoticed. She didn’t just look at her work as a job but it was her personal mission to elevate children to their highest physical potential. As a co-worker, she forced you to understand that the kids came first above EVERYTHING else. She was witty beyond measure and I loved being around her soooooo much. She will always be remembered for her commitment to her school babies, their families and co-workers. Continued prayers for her family.
I was so sad to hear the news that Jenny passed. We worked together the last 7 years during my tenure at East St. Louis School District. We would often combine our skills as PT and SLP and co-treat students. I am so glad I got to work with her! Jenny was very smart, funny, talented, and witty. She loved her job working with children. She loved being a wife to her husband Dan, and she adored being a mom to her 2 boys. She loved her family and always spoke fondly of her sister and parents. She was a loyal and devoted friend to many. I will continue to lift her family up in prayer. You will be missed Jenny……fly high!
I will miss Jenny so much. I am glad to have known her. Grateful to have worked with her as her PTA. She taught me so much about pediatrics and creative ways to work with children. She was always pleasant and understanding. I could not have had a better supervisor.
Jenny was very patient with me when I got hired. I knew nothing about working with children. She took me under her wing and taught me the ropes. I will continue to pray for her family to have more strength with each passing day. 🙏
I had the pleasure of working with Jenny during my time at ESTL 189. She really made a difference in the lives of everyone she came in contact with, especially the students. She was a true care giver! May she Rest in Peace
I worked with Jenny in at the East St. Louis schools. She was an amazing coworker and an even more amazing physical therapist. The world lost a very good person when we lost Jenny.
Like so many others, I came to know Jenny when we both worked for the East St. Louis School District with one very special little guy. Her commitment, caring, and innovation were apparent in everything. Even after I changed positions, it was a joy to keep in touch through social media and to see her build her family with her husband and two precious little boys. The world has a little less light in it. She was a joy! My condolences and prayers as you remember Jenny.
As Dan and Jen’s neighbors we got to know them and the boys very well and honestly it broke our hearts the moment we heard of Jen’s passing. We will miss Jenny’s fun personality but will always remember her always with a smile on her face throughout every challenge. We keep Dan and the boys in our prayers though all the challenges ahead.
So sorry to hear about Jenny. I always enjoyed all of our chats in the driveway watching the boys play, enjoying the nice weather. I know she loved all of her boys, the two little ones and the big guy too. God has another ‘Angel’ with Him in heaven now. Hold on to the memories, they will help bring a smile to your face!
I was so saddened to hear about Jenny’s passing. We worked together at East St. Louis District for a number of years. She had such a sweet and kind deposition. Jennifer was so dedicated to the school district, and children that she served. Jenny will truly be missed.