Allen O. Copeland, Sr.

Allen Owen Copeland Sr., born on March 20, 1936, in Holland, Virginia, passed away at the age of 88 at Portside Health and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of New York and New Jersey, Allen was known for his kind heart, generosity, and the steadfast principles he lived by. Allen’s deep-rooted Christian beliefs were nurtured at an early age when he was baptized at Pulaski Baptist Church in Carrsville, VA.

Allen shared 40 joyful years with his devoted wife, Barbara J. Spry-Copeland, who will remember him with love and cherish their memories until they meet again at the trumpet of Jesus. He is pre-deceased by his oldest son, Allen Owen Copeland Jr. (married to Meloyde), and his legacy is carried on by his surviving son, Darren Copeland of New York (married to Natalie), and his treasured grandchildren Tsahia, Assata, Imani, Sophia, Jason, Nathaniel, and Ruby. He was a proud great-grandfather to Maylani and a cherished stepfather to the late James A. Spry (married to Carol Spry) and surviving stepson Gregory Spry (married to Yvonne Spry).

Allen was the beloved son of Eddie Scott Copeland Sr. and Helen Saunders-Copeland, both from Virginia. He grew up in a close-knit family alongside his siblings: Ann Taylor (deceased), Gladys Russell (deceased), Doris Copeland (deceased), Barbara Jean Lawyer, Eddie Scott Copeland Jr. (deceased), Willie Lee Copeland (deceased), Carl Copeland (deceased in infancy), and Randolph Copeland.

He also leaves behind to mourn a host of other family and friends, with special recognition extended to his loving nephew & niece Edwin (“Chay”) & Brenda Hunter, who continues to offer loving care and support.

After becoming a proud graduate of Nansemond County Training School in Suffolk, Virginia, Allen worked as a dedicated printer at Union Camp in Clifton, NJ, for 30 years, where he eventually became Lead Pressman. His commitment to his work and respect within the profession left an indelible mark on his colleagues and friends.

Allen filled his life with joy, humor, and memorable pastimes. He was an expert at the card game Bid Whist, where he tolerated very few mistakes!  He also enjoyed shooting pool and watching his beloved Yankees on the baseball field. As the last surviving member of the “Top Twenty” Social Club of Montclair, NJ, Allen valued his community of friends deeply. He also had a passion for travel, particularly cruises, which he and his wife Barbara embarked on with enthusiasm.

Known for his punctuality, Allen was often early to every gathering, typically arriving one to two hours ahead of schedule.

He loved children with the patience of a saint.  And he was very generous until you “crossed him”; whoa to whoever burned that bridge! And when things didn’t go as planned, his familiar phrase, “Lord have mercy!”

Allen’s life was a testament to his core principles, which he carried forward with grace and kindness. His family and friends celebrate his memory and the unwavering legacy he leaves behind.