757.628.1000

Lula M. Copeland


Sunrise: April 19, 1924

Sunset: September 5, 2018

Lula Mae Rawles Copeland entered eternal rest on September 5, 2018 at 12:50PM at Pennybyrn Maryfield Care Center in High Point, NC.  Lula was born on April 19, 1924 to the late Jethro Edward and Ruth Francis Rawles in the Holland area of Nansemond County, Virginia. Lula graduated from East Suffolk High School in 1941 and married the late James E. Copeland, Sr. on February 6, 1942. Lula, the eldest of six children, was predeceased by her sister Bernice Rawles Evans (Clinton) and her brother, James Edward Rawles.

LULA: Extraordinaire who was she?

She was a wife, a mom, sister and daughter and woman.  Extraordinaire!

She was a virtuous Christian woman with exceptional love for children, adults, smallest of birds and the kittens always waiting at her back door. Love for each of God’s creatures with whom she shared the farm’s country air.

Worked in fields and gardens creating a farmhouse a home. At the age of eight she completed meals that she delivered to her parents who were working in the fields. She used her hands to sew special clothing for grandchildren and made their favorite homemade pancakes! The Rawles Matriarch served the Rawles Family Reunions with commitment, honor and love, always thanking God for His amazing grace.

She taught Sunday school; lead fellowships for women. Lead Vacation Bible School made the Praying Hands while teaching us to pray. She served with the Deaconess Board making sure that we remember His Grace and Love. Sang in the choir asking the “Lord to Be a Fence Around Me” with spiritual might!  Organized the Zion Youth choir and initiated travel to Youth, Conference and National UCC Church Conventions. She answered the Jesus’ Great Commission to bring others to Christ.

She was an accomplished cosmetologist who made us beautiful with a fabulous hairdos or soothing natural facials. She made and sold the decorative wedding cakes, the center of joyous occasions. She worked for US Department of Consumer Affairs collecting data on pricing, inventories for Department of Labor, serving her country and providing for her family.

She demonstrated the need for further education to sons by attending Norfolk State earning an advance certificate in cosmetology. She was always there for the one she loves, kindergarten   graduations, as well as, high school activities, and college. She said you can do anything you wish to dream. She never stopped being a mother through all her children’s life’s challenges.

Walked and talked in the knowledge of (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13). Always shared the spirit of Hope, Faith, God’s Grace and Love; internalized and lived the essence of Romans 8:38- 39 and embraced the meaning of Proverbs 31:10-31, quoted and visualized with youth and adults-making us wiser, Jeremiah 29:11-13; She ran the race and received the prizes:  Christ Love, Hope, Faith, Grace and Eternal Life. 

This was Lula: Extraordinaire! 

 

Those left to cherish her memory:

Three Sons: James E. Copeland Jr. (Thelma D.S), Jethro N. Copeland (Barbara), Joseph Arnold Copeland (Marchelle) Five grandchildren: Janeene T. Copeland Humphrey, Julia J. Copeland Green (Greg), Dr. Jacquelyn Copeland Miller (Livingston), Lauren Copeland Mitchell (Arnett), and James W. Copeland (Mother, Regine Copeland-Uveges). Five great grandchildren:  Daniel Humphrey III, Janelle Anise Green, Livingston Miller II, Alanna Autumn Copeland Miller, and Gabrielle Green. Brother, Roland Rawles (Rosier) and two sisters, Clarine Jones (late Nelson) and Merriam Osborne (Herman). Uncle Joe Henry Copeland (Leana Mae), Sister -in-laws, Dollie Mae Rawles, Myrtle Rawles, Katie Copeland Knight, Hilda Copeland Abrams. Brother-in-Law Enoch C. Copeland (Jean)  Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Viewing Thursday, September 20, 2018 Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Boulevard Family Receiving Friends Thursday, September 20, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Boulevard Service Friday, September 21, 2018 1:00pm Zion Christian Church 5200 Quaker Drive Suffolk, VA 23437 Interment Laurel Hill UCC Suffolk, VA

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Condolences(4)

  1. reply
    Dab says

    I’m very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the God of tender mercies comfort and strengthen you for the days to come, 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

  2. reply
    Walker & Hassie Hughes says

    Dear family we are sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Copeland and offer our sincere condolences. May God comfort and sustain you at such a time as this.

  3. reply
    Saundra Hunter says

    Dearfamily sorry to hear of the passing of of your mother. We offer our sincere condolences. Mattie Spruell Jenkins and Saundra Spruell Hunter and Columbus. Spruell, Jr.

  4. reply
    tanya canty says

    Amanda, It is so very hard to lose a loved one. Please know that thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. With deepest sympathy – Tanya Canty

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