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Doris Copeland Perry


Sunrise: January 19, 1941

Sunset: March 9, 2024

Doris Elizabeth Copeland Perry, also known as “Sister and Dee” of Suffolk, Virginia transition from labor to reward on March 9, 2024 at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital.  Doris was born on January 18, 1941 to the union of the late John Arthur Copeland and the late Annie Louise Vann (Copeland, Pritchard) in the Mount Hermon section of Portsmouth, Virginia.  She graduated in the class of 1959 from Crestwood High School in Chesapeake, Virginia.  During her high school tenure sports was her main choice of entertainment, participating in basketball and cheerleading.  After which, servanthood became special to Doris as she began to be a caretaker, choosing a nursing position at Norfolk General Hospital (now known as Norfolk Sentara Hospital).  Doris married her high school sweetheart (the late Douglas Avent Perry) shortly after high school. Following Doris’ nursing career, she was employed at Star Band Inc., Portsmouth Virginia; General Electric Inc., Portsmouth Virginia and the Ford Plant in Norfolk Virginia.  Still involved in sports Doris turned to softball and bowling.  Her joy in both sports led to many awards and notoriety in the semi-professional leagues. Motherhood slowed down her career journey; however, servitude shifted when she joined the United States Naval Sea Cadet corps., Top Hatter’s Squadron as a training officer.  Sea Cadet Lieutenant Commander Doris Perry mentored thousands of young teenagers, some of which called her “mom” because of the compassion and strict discipline nature.  Later in life she continued her love of servitude as a school bus monitor in Portsmouth, Virginia for children with disabilities. One of Doris’ favorite things to do was traveling and listening to peace within stillness that came from waterfalls or even the sounds of nature. She often expressed the reality to all people being spirit minded, social yet firm.

Doris Elizabeth Copeland Perry at an early age accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was spiritually mentored by her mother and stepfather the late Henry Pritchard of Portsmouth, Virginia.  She joined Celestial Baptist church as a young teen and transitioned to Centennial Baptist Church.  Later in life she attended Popular Run Baptist Church in Suffolk. Va and Full Gospel Deliverance church in Newport News where she served on the mother’s board.  She joined Tidewater Bibleway Temple (the Kingdom Cathedral) Portsmouth Virginia in the early 2000’s, while visiting Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Doris Eliabeth Copeland Perry is survived by her son, Douglas Avent Perry, Jr. of Suffolk, Virginia; a brother, Larry Donald Pritchard of Portsmouth, Virginia (Dillwynn, Virginia); two nieces, Lorey Shamlee (Robert) of Chesapeake, Virginia and Dawn Copeland Thompson of Baltimore, Maryland; one nephew, William Copeland, Jr. of Chesapeake, Virginia; and a host of cousin’s and extended family.

Doris made a declaration prior to her transition that she was going to “Tell it! Tell it all!!!” She did exactly that ministering to anyone who came in contact with her at the hospital or rehabilitation center, letting everyone know what Jesus Christ has done for her and what He can do for you! …As we celebrate the life of Doris Elizabeth Copeland Perry we will “Go Tell It!”

Viewing Wednesday, March 27, 2024 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH LIVE ONLINE Thursday, March 28, 2024 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Chapel Interment Meadowbrook Memorial and Cremation Gardens 4569 Shoulders Hill Road Suffolk, VA 23435

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Condolences(5)

  1. reply
    Jewell Jones says

    Rest In Peace

  2. reply
    Gen. Dr. Daniel Griffin, USARUSAF says

    Condolence and prayer to the family.

  3. reply
    Karen says

    My heartfelt condolences for you Doug.

  4. reply
    Sheila Williams says

    Sheila Williams March 24, 2024 at 7:00pm. I sent my condolences and prayer to my family.

  5. reply
    Gerald coaxum says

    My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss

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