Obituary of Sarah Louise Copeland

Sarah Louise Collins Copeland peacefully transitioned on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. An angel of mercy came to Accordius Health at Nansemond Pointe to relieve our beloved one of her illness. Sarah was born May 12, 1936 in Wardtown, Virginia which is located on the Virginia Eastern Shore. She was predeceased by her father Abel T. Collins, mother Della Joynes Collins, brother Alvin Henry Collins, and sister Bessie Marqueener Collins Dotson. Sarah was a devoted wife for over sixty one years to Howard Lee Copeland and from this union; Del Vernise and Phyllis Deneen were born. After graduation from Northampton County High school Sarah continued her education at Maryland State University to later graduating from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Sarah’s love of children led her to working for over thirty 30 years with the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project ( S.T.O.P.)/Head Start Program. Sarah’s first class started at Union Baptist Shoulders Hill, East Suffolk High School, John F. Kennedy Head Start Center, and her last location before retirement in 2003 was the S.T.OP. Organization Suffolk Head Start Center, all in Suffolk, Virginia. As a teacher, her classroom was filled with love and laughter. She was excited to take the children on field trips that allowed them to have fun, yet meaningful experiences. On “Picture Day,” Sarah worked diligently to make sure each child was pristine and “picture perfect.” Sarah’s love of education flowed into her home with her children, and especially her grandchildren. It was important that learning remained fun for all. Sarah’s Christian experience began at New Allen Memorial AME Church in Franktown, VA. As a youth member, she participated in the choir, usher board and various church programs. As an adult, Sarah became a member of Union Baptist Shoulders Hill in Suffolk, VA. A quintessential woman of her time, Sarah enjoyed family gatherings, bus trip excursions, and attending class reunions. She enjoyed seeing her family and friends flourish. Left to cherish the memories of Sarah are: husband, Howard L. Copeland, two daughters, Del Copeland Shannon (Curtis), Phyllis D. Copeland, son Michael D. Williams (Alyson). Grandchildren, Dennis Copeland (Vanessa), Michael D. Williams, Jr., Cynese Williams, Christina Shannon, three great-grandchildren, one sister, Della Zenobia Collins Gillis (Paul), one sister in-law Margaret Copeland Watkins, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.