Vicky Kay Copp

Vicky Kay Copp of Merrill, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was 69 years old. Vicky Kay Gillam was born on December 6, 1955, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Marilyn (Spindler) and the late Earl Gillam. She was a proud 1974 graduate of Bridgeport High School. Following graduation, Vicky attended Delta College where she was studying interior design. She was employed at Covenant HealthCare for the past 15 years, serving various capacities within housekeeping and facilities management. The role of her lifetime, one she treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Vicky had a green thumb and enjoyed spending time in her outdoor flower garden, tending to her fruit trees and bushes, and taking care of her indoor house plants. She also enjoyed buying, designing, and creating beautiful pieces of jewelry, specifically necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Vicky also liked researching the meaning of each gem and stone, as well as learning what part of the country or world they could be found. Her little piece of heaven was her love for music and all animals, especially her pigeon and cats, they made her soul feel loved and complete. Vicky will forever be remembered for being a kind, loving, and gentle soul who selflessly put the needs of those she love ahead of her own.

Surviving are three children: Chris (Michelle) Copp of Merrill; Emily Copp of Merril; Amy (Joshua) Brown of Bradley, OK; three grandchildren: Miller and Rowan Copp of Merrill; Miriam Brown of Bradley, OK; mother, Marilyn Strickland of Gould City; two sisters and one brothers: Rhonda (Don) Clark of Gould City; Linda Buckholz of Engadine; Tim (Tammy) Gillam of Bay County; a niece, Katelyn Buckholz of Engadine; and the many friends and coworkers she made at Covenant HealthCare.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Gillam; stepfather, Fred Strickland; mother- and father-in-law, Dennis and Joyce Copp.

Honoring Vicky’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will take place. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill, MI 48637. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com.