Asbury, Carol Copko
Carol Ann Copko Asbury, 87, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and teacher, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026.
Carol was born in Brooklyn, New York, to John Copko, Jr. and Audrey Hedge Copko. After her father’s untimely death, her mother returned to Virginia with Carol, Carol’s twin brother, Roger John Copko, and their brother, Franklin Dean Copko, eventually settling in Radford. Her mother later married Willie Maynard Weeks, Carol’s much-loved stepfather.
Carol graduated from Radford High School, where she was the Class of 1957 Homecoming Queen and met her high school sweetheart, Robert Prentiss “Bob” Asbury Jr. They shared 66 years of marriage, remaining devoted partners throughout their lives.
Carol graduated from Radford College in 1960, completing her education degree in just three years. Aside from several years devoted to raising her sons, she dedicated her adult life to elementary education. She began her teaching career at West Side Elementary School in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and spent most of her career teaching fourth grade at Belle Heth Elementary School in Radford, retiring at age 72.
Teaching was Carol’s calling and one of her greatest joys. She loved children and took pride in their successes. Former students often remembered Mrs. Asbury as their favorite teacher. She remained close to many of them and was delighted to later teach their children, extending her influence across generations of Radford families.
Carol was known for her big heart, boundless energy, cheerful personality, and genuine interest in everyone she met. Warm, outgoing, and exceptionally friendly, she lovingly cared for family and friends throughout her life.
Family was at the center of Carol’s life, and no conversation was complete without an update about her sons, daughters-in-law, granddaughters, or great-granddaughters. She loved reading, cooking, baking, and watching the many birds and squirrels that visited their home, as well as the family and neighborhood dogs that brought her and Bob so much enjoyment.
Carol valued her faith and was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Radford, her cherished church home, where she found fellowship and a deep sense of belonging.
Carol and Bob deeply loved Radford, where they met, raised their family, built their careers, and spent most of their lives. Both were devoted to serving their community; Bob through local government and Carol through educating generations of Radford children.
Following Bob’s death on March 10, 2026, Carol moved to Harper’s Station, a senior living community in Yorktown, Virginia, to be closer to family. There, she received wonderful care and found warmth, friendship, and a sense of connection. Her passing so soon after Bob’s is especially poignant for those who knew them as high school sweethearts and devoted lifelong partners.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her stepfather, and her two brothers.
She is survived by her sons, Maj. Robert P. Asbury III, USAF (Ret.) (Eileen) of Yorktown, John C. Asbury (Wendy) of Richmond, and Scott C. Asbury (Jennifer) of Niwot, Colorado; her granddaughters, Jessica Rae Versaw (Ryan), Julie Asbury, and Audrey Asbury; and her great-granddaughters, Adelaide Versaw and Vera Versaw.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on September 19 at 1:00 PM. A private family interment will take place alongside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Robert P. Asbury and Carol C. Asbury Public Service Scholarship, Radford High School Foundation, P.O. Box 2823, Radford, Virginia 24143, or to Grace Episcopal Church, 210 Fourth Street, Radford, Virginia 24141.
Carol’s family is deeply grateful for the kindness shown to her and Bob and for the friendship and support extended to the entire Asbury family. They also wish to thank the staff of Harper’s Station for the compassionate care they provided during Carol’s final days.
Carol will be remembered for her devotion to family and teaching, her generous spirit, her remarkable energy, and the joy she brought to others. Her influence lives on in her family, in generations of students, and in all those whose lives were touched by her friendship, kindness, and care.
The Asbury family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com
