Samuel Martin Copeland Sr. was called to be with the Lord on Friday morning June 7, 2019. He was affectionately known by his siblings and family as “Lil Bro”, also known as “Easy” and named by his mother-in-law “John Boy”.
Sam was born in Chowan County to Joseph L. Copeland and Annie B. Copeland. He gaduated from D.F. Walker Class of 1966 and joined United States Marine Corps immediately after. Sam fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Medal, as well as a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Afterwards, he was employed as a N.C. State Forest Fire Equipment Operator for 19 years. His was a former member of John R. Page Masonic Lodge in Edenton. N.C. He was a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 5 in Suffolk, Va. He grew up and attended Greater Welch’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Tyner, N.C. and a current member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va.
Samuel met and married his “Soulmate” Lisa Michelle Felton where they bonded as ONE on New Years Day 1987 and Everyone that knows them knew their bond and they even sometimes finished each other sentences. Blessed with 32 and a half “golden” years together, from their union reared his namesakes Princess Samitria Marchelle and his Prince Samuel Martin Jr. aka Jay.
The Patriarch of his family, a loving husband and father, Sam lived a blessed and exciting life. He loved to travel and experience life with his family the way it should be. He continually gave his “Queen” Lisa her flowers daily through his gestures of love. Everyone knows when you saw one of them, you saw the other. Sam will be affectionately and genuinely missed by all who loved him.
He was predeceased by his parents, his parents-in-law Willis J. and Mattie D. Felton, his brother Jeremiah Copeland, sister-in-law Rev. Lala Scott, brother-in-law Curtis Warren and step-daughter April Cole.
Sam’s legacy will continue on through his loving wife, Lisa, and his three children
whom he adored Samuel Christopher, Samitria, and Samuel Jr.
He also leaves two brothers Rev. James “Jackie” Copeland (Jessie) and Johnny “Uncle Buck” Copeland (Anne), two sisters Ann Lou Copeland and Josephine Warren, brothers-in-law Willis J. Felton Jr. (Edwina), Rev. Steven G. Felton Sr. (Vhelma), sisters-in-law, Rev. Lessie Leary, LaVerne Branch (Timmothy), Karen Reeves (Phillip), Vivian Chisholm, and his special girl Soiesette Downing who named him “Pops”. He also leaves a grand host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Sam was greatly Loved and affectionately had a number of close ” Brothers in love” and very “Special Girlfriends” whom all of them know exactly who they are!
Condolences(13)-
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Emma Stallings says
June 12, 2019 at 10:02 amMrs. Lisa condolences to you and the family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. R.I.P. Mr. Sam
You will be missed.
Patricia
Antoinette & Leon Holley says
June 12, 2019 at 10:15 amLisa and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of bereavement.
Our hearts are heavy too, as we reminisce the number of times we have been in the presence or company of our Beloved Brother “Sam”, and other family members who have transitioned from earth to their Heavenly Home.
By faith, the Lord will see you all through and He is the God of all comfort.
Ginny Fly says
June 12, 2019 at 2:55 pmLisa and family,
My heart breaks for you and the loss of Sam. Big Sam loved to pick on me when he would visit Lisa at work. I loved to tell him I was going to call “security” on him, He truly loved all people and never met a stranger, May all the memories shared live in your hearts forever.
Cousin Avis Britt Blow says
June 12, 2019 at 7:34 pmLisa and Family,
My heart saddens as I learn of Sam’s passing. It was funny to learn he was my cousin after playing Lottery with him for years!! We enjoyed the short time we had after learning of our family history. I pray your strength as you walk this road of sadness. Please know that you are loved by many and have a huge family back here to help you in your time of need. I know that Sam loved you and the kids with all his heart and that will carry you through this difficult time. If there is anything that we can do for you or the kids please let us know. We love you all very much. I cannot make the service due to being out of state for work for the month of June but know that my heart is there with you. Take care and we will keep Sam’s memory alive and going at all times!!
Alicia Willie says
June 13, 2019 at 12:55 amMrs Lisa and Family.
Praying for you guys during this time. Mr Sam will truly be missed. Every time you was around him he kept a smile on your face or kept you laughing.
Narda Bass McCrae says
June 13, 2019 at 1:36 pmLisa I am so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. praying for you and the kids for healing a peace.
Cabe Speary says
June 13, 2019 at 4:34 pmI haven’t seen Sam in years, but I will always remember that big smile, laugh, and of course the peanuts he would carry with him and offer to me when I worked with him in Chowan County. His retirement party was one of the best I have ever attended.
Kopera Washington says
June 13, 2019 at 4:43 pmLisa condolences to you, Samitria, Jay and the family. My prayers will always be with you. Farewell my brother (Sam), you will be missed.
Bro. Kopera Washington, Mekayla and Bryce
Phyllis Allen says
June 13, 2019 at 7:08 pmLisa, I am so sorry for your lost. Please know you and the kids are in my prayers and thoughts.
Rev. Phyllis Allen
Tywanda Foreman & Patricia Felton says
June 14, 2019 at 9:57 amTo Lisa
We are sorry for OUR loss. Sam was a wonderful man who loved his family & treated you like a queen. Your relationship was special and EVERYONE could see your true love for each other. Turn to God for strength during this most difficult time & know we are ALWAYS here for you for whatever you need. Love you always…
Curtis Bond says
June 14, 2019 at 1:14 pmMay God be with you and your family. May his mercy and grace give you peace.
From the Bond Family
Cheryl Griffin says
June 17, 2019 at 9:12 amLisa and Family,
It saddened us to hear of Sam’s passing. He was an extraordinary person and we are blessed to have received from his legacy through humor, advice and overall goodwill. Thank you for sharing him with our family! Praying for you all as you process through this difficult time.
The Griffins
Monte, Cheryl, Sammi, and Stephen
LaMont Brown says
June 18, 2019 at 5:42 pmHello Lisa, Samitria, and Jay,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I just found out after talking to Aunt Nettie Mae today. Death is definitely an enemy to all of us. May you take comfort in the Holy Scriptures at this time to help you cope now and the days to come! You are in our prayers!
Love you all!
LaMont Brown