Victoria "Vicky" Copses Yahnis

Victoria “Vicky” Copses Yahnis fell asleep in the Lord on June 18, 2018, following a brief but courageous fight with cancer.Vicky was born in Toronto, Canada on August 12, 1932 to Peter James and Beatrice Copses.She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1947, where she graduated from Harding High School in 1950 and Queens College in 1954.On July 4, 1954, Vicky married the love of her life, Christopher James Yahnis, and they settled in Florence, South Carolina.Vicky was always very proud to call Florence her home and had a special affinity for both her city and the State of South Carolina. Above all else, Vicky loved her family and cherished their closeness.Vicky is survived by her three sons, James C. Yahnis (Patti) of Murrells Inlet, Peter C. Yahnis, of Myrtle Beach, and Byron C. Yahnis (Gay) of Florence and by three grandchildren, Christopher Yahnis, Charles Yahnis, and Nicole Yahnis.She is also survived by a brother, James P. Copses (Barbara) of Charlotte, North Carolina and was predeceased by a brother, Charles Copses. Her husband of nearly 54 years, Chris, also predeceased her on June 4, 2008.During her final illness, Vicky was cared for by Amedisys and Comfort Keepers, and the family wishes to give special thanks for their loving care to Isla Smith and Mandy Hancock, whom she dearly loved. Vicky worked in the Yahnis Company beer distribution business for the entire 52 years of its existence.She was a brilliant businesswoman and the backbone of the company.Without question, It was her efforts behind the scenes that kept Yahnis Company going.Vicky also taught sixth grade at Byrnes Academy for several years and remained close to many of her students throughout her life.In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading and needlepointing.Two of Vicky's favorite television shows were Jeopardy and Dancing With the Stars, and she also loved watching sports, especially North Carolina Tar Heel basketball and South Carolina Gamecock football. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Wednesday with a Trisagion service at the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence. The funeral service and celebration of her life will be held on June 21, 2018 at 2 o'clock at the Greek Orthodox Church.Burial will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery.Following the burial, a reception will be held at the church.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either, The American Cancer Society, P.O Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or The Greek Orthodox Church, 2990 S. Cashua Drive, Florence, SC 29501.