Beverly Copeland

Beverly Elaine “Bev” (Strawder) Copeland, age 54, departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in the comfort of her home. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her family. Beverly was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 22, 1959 to Janet Wright and the late Artis Strawder. Her developmental years were spent with her grandmother, Lula Enoex, who was affectionately called “Granny”. She graduated from Skyline High School, Oakland, CA in 1979 and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Fisk University, Nashville, TN in 1981. Bev lived an active life on campus and was a dedicated member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. An advocate for academic enrichment, she earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Syracuse University School of Law, Syracuse, NY. She enjoyed the classroom and was heavily invested in young people through teaching and tutoring. Bev loved life and understood the value of hard work; no task was too small. She displayed extreme pride in her duties as a flight attendant and took pleasure in the opportunity to travel. A seeker of adventure, the sky was always her limit. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Walter D. Copeland II; her children and their spouses, Kristanie and Rey Castillo of Miami, Fl, and Amber Copeland of Wilmington, DE, Walter D. III and Monesha Copeland of Los Angeles, CA; four grandchildren, Josiah, Laila, Walter IV, and Melanie; brothers and sister-in-law, Frederick and Mona Strawder of San Diego, CA, and Artis Strawder, Jr., of Knoxville, TN; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pamela Myers of Los Angeles CA, Felicia and Donald Robinson of Aston PA, Denise Womack of Cherry Hill, NJ, Cherlye Sammons of Lynwood, PA, and Lana and Bruce Dixon of Maryville, TN; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10-11 at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ, 110 Washington Street in Utica. Bev’s Homegoing Celebration will commence immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her honor may be made to the medical center that cared for her during this strenuous time: Penn Presbyterian Medical Center 3535 Market Street, Suite 750 Philadelphia, PA 19104 Checks may be made payable to: University Of Penn Trustees; envelopes will be available at the service. Donations can also be made via telephone at (215) 898-0578. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Beverly Copeland

October 22, 1959 - August 19, 2014