Johnny Copeland

HONORING THE Life and Legacy of

Johnny Lee Copeland

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J OHNNY L EE “J ILL ” C OPELAND was born April 3, 1940 to the proud parents of Bennie and Jessie Copeland in Emerson Arkansas. Johnny professed his Love for Christ at an early age and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Emerson, Arkansas for many years. Johnny graduated from Mcmittress High School and afterwards attended The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Johnny married the love of his life Mary D. Copeland and later joined the United States Army. Johnny moved up in rank quickly and became Staff Sargent. He served his country in the Vietnam War with honor and courage. His military service exemplified his deep sense of patriotism and commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. Johnny had a remarkable career with DART as a supervisor for 27 years. He was known for his dedication and hard work which earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. In addition to his work at DART, Johnny was a self-employed owner and operator of Johnny's Automotive. His expertise in fixing cars was unparalleled. Outside of his career, Johnny had an easy going personality with a huge heart of gold, and was a great storyteller. He could captivate an entire room with his wit and charm. Johnny's hobbies included playing Dominoes and Poker. He was always up for a friendly game and enjoyed the company of those who shared his passion for these games of skill. Johnny departed this life on January 23, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Copeland; parents, Jessie and Bennie Copeland; three siblings, Selma Reed, Elmer Copeland, and Johnnie Mae Hughes. He is survived by his two sons, Fred Copeland (Shon) and Ostby Copeland and daughter, FreedaCopeland; his brother, Willie C. Copeland (Dorothy); sister-in-law, Ardell Copeland, Jessie D. Burley, and brother- in-law, Clarence Alexander; and special friend, Liz Watson; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends. Johnny Lee Copeland will be greatly missed, but his legacy of kindness, laughter and genuine love for others will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Johnny Lee Copeland

Saturday, February 3, 2024 11:00 AM G REATER N EW Z ION B APTIST C HURCH 2210 Pine Street Dallas, Texas Rev. Joe Patterson, Pastor Pastor Joshua Manning, Officiating

Processional …………...……..……… Ministers, Pallbearers and Family Welcome…………………………..……………. Pastor Joshua Manning Solo……….………………………...………………...……. Nae Callihan Scripture Reading………………...………………….. Rev. Joe Patterson Prayer .…………………………………………. Pastor Joshua Manning Solo……….……………………...…………………...……. Nae Callihan Resolutions Expressions………..……………..……..………. Limit 2 Minutes Please Eulogy………………………………...……… Apostle Van J. Alexander Viewing………………………..……...………… Golden Gate Directors Recessional Old Testament New Testament

I wish I could see you one more time Come walking through the door But I know that is impossible I will hear your voice no more. I know you can feel my tears And you don’t want me to cry Yet my heart is broken because I can’t understand why someone so precious had to die. I pray that God will give me strength And somehow get me through As I struggle with this heartache That came when I lost you.

PawPaw, you have always been such a key part of my life and such a stead-fast and healthy part; I never let myself consider what it might be like once you were no longer here with us. But you’re not truly gone, because your memory lives within all of us. You may have been small in stature but you had the spirit of a giant. Thank you for the times you picked me up from school after pretending to be sick, buying an annual Easter dress and most importantly, demonstrating what hard work looks like. I find solace in knowing that you are at peace now. Job well done. All My Love, Bria To the Greatest, words can’t express how much I am going to miss you. This is a tough pill to swallow, but I know you are in a better place beating everyone in dominos. Thank you for being there and teaching me how to be independent and work hard to get what I want and deserve. You went above and beyond to make sure Cyden and I were always good. You are going to be truly missed PaPa. Love Always, Meshia

Dear Spodie, the times I shared with you these last 18 years were enough to last me a lifetime. From the time you taught me how to change oil in car, to the time you told me to follow you and drive a car back to your house and I could barely drive. It was always an honor to be in your presence. Until we meet again, rest easy Spodie. With Love, Jayden Copeland

Memories to Cherish

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you prayed a sincere prayer or came to pay a call. Perhaps you sang a cheerful song, if so, we heard it all. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you prepared a tasty dish, or maybe furnished a car. Perhaps you rendered a service unseen, near at hand or from afar. Whatever you did to console our hearts, by word or deed or touch. Whatever was the kindly part, we thank you, oh so very much. The Family A CTIVE P ALLBEARERS Tony Burley Kelvin Callaway Terrance Burley Tristan Norris Jayden Copeland James Reed H ONORARY P ALLBEARERS Fred Gulley Cedric Copeland Ed Carter Darren Hughes Shawn Preston Phillip Avery E ARHTLY R ESTING P LACE Laurel Land Memorial Park Dallas, Texas R EPAST Grays Event Center 3016 N. I-35 E. Service Rd. Lancaster, TX 75134

Golden Gate Funeral Home