SUFFOLK - Joe Louis Copeland, 65, of 1000 Manning Road, Suffolk, went home to be with the Lord February 27, 2008 at Sentara Obici Hospital. A native of Nansemond County, he was the son of the late Charlie and Lizzie Copeland and the widower of Jean E. Copeland. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Annette Purrington, Laura Edwards, Patsy Pope, and Minnie Eley and eight brothers, Tucker Copeland, Leo Copeland, George Copeland, Rufus Copeland, Leland Copeland, Junious Copeland, James Copeland, and John Copeland.

He was retired from Ferguson Manufacturing Company and a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church. He was also a lifetime member of the Copeland Family Circle Club.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters Jacqueline Sessoms (Robert) of Suffolk, Velma Jeanette Brinson (Randy) of Boston, MA, and Sandra Faulk (James) of Suffolk; one son, Warren Copeland (Brenda) of Colorado Springs, CO; two sisters, Mozella Brown and Thelma Rodgers of Suffolk; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Rosetta Mitchell, Shirley Winston, Helen Pope, and Katherine Copeland; four brothers-in-law, Thurman Woodley, Calvin Woodley, Milton Woodley, and Eve Purrington; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2008 at Gethsemane Baptist Church, officiated by The Rev. J. J. Ferguson. Interment will be in Gethsemane Baptist Church Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.