Photo courtesy of T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home - Suffolk
Nov 28, 1951 - Jan 9, 2025
TC and I (Donald Duck Daughtrey) attended Mt Zion Elementary School together in 6th and 7th Grade Class. We connected in 1993 94 in Suffolk. Always a pleasure seeing and talking. And honor knowings my Veteran friend. Duck 757 620-7091.
Donald Daughtrey
January 27, 2025 | Palm Coast,, FL | Friend
TC WAS A GOOD DEAR FRIEND WE HAVE SO MANY MEMORIES TOGETHER LOVE YOU AND GOING TO MISS YOU FRIEND LOVE CUNNINGHAM AKA HAMMER..
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NEWTON CUNNINGHAM
January 17, 2025 | SUMTER, SC | Friend
Isaac and Doris Busby extend to you and your family our heartfelt condolences. We are not able to make it to the funeral, but our hearts are with you. Love Always
Doris Busby
January 17, 2025 | Grand Prairie, TX 75052, TX
Remembered By
Cecil Baker
January 17, 2025 | Hampton, VA | Friend
Pop you was one of a kind. Gonna miss all the laughs, all the wise sayings lol. Rest up buddy
KaRon Jones
January 17, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Friend
My condolences to the Copeland family
Velma Outlaw
January 16, 2025 | Suffolk, VA | Friend
My heartfelt condolences to the family during this time and beyond. May God’s Grace be of comfort to you all.
Vernice Whyms
January 15, 2025 | Raleigh, NC | Friend
My condolences to you and your entire family. Praying that God will usher you through this challenging time.
Hameera Brooks
Hameera Brooks
January 14, 2025 | Raleigh, NC | Friend
Our heartfelt condolences to the Copeland family. May God's grace and mercy grant you peace and comfort during your time of Loss.
Sincerely,
Archie and Alexis Colander
Classmate 1970
John F. Kennedy High School
Archie Colander
January 14, 2025 | Silver Spring, MD | Classmate
In Loving Memory of Nelson Thomas Copeland, Jr.
(November 28, 1951 – January 9, 2025)
Our beloved Nelson Thomas Copeland, Jr.—affectionately known as Jay or TC—passed away peacefully at the age of 73 in his Portsmouth, Virginia home on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Nelson was born on November 28, 1951, in Holland, Virginia, to the late Nelson Thomas Copeland, Sr. and Elsie Boone Copeland. He grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, attending the Suffolk Public School System and graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970.
After his time at Norfolk State College (now University), Nelson answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served as a Medic until 1978. His career included roles at the Newport News Shipyard, Nelson and Sons Contracting, Scrap Metal Recycle, and Goodwill Industries.
Nelson lived a life filled with love, family, and friendship. He delighted in the simple joys of playing basketball, mastering a game of spades, and cheering for his favorite football team, the Washington Redskins/Commanders.
At an early age, Nelson accepted Christ and joined Piney Grove Baptist Church in Buckhorn, Virginia. Later in life, he became a devoted member of Canaan Baptist Church, serving faithfully as a Deacon.
Nelson’s greatest joy was his family. For over 30 years, he shared his life with the love of his life, Angelia Herschell Davis Copeland, creating a legacy of love that spanned 45 beautiful years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Nelson Thomas Copeland, Sr. and Elsie Boone Copeland; his daughter, Tracey Renee Mason; and his brother, Albert Lee Copeland.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Angelia Herschell Davis Copeland; his daughters, Bequitta Michell Johnson (Darrell), NaShonda Tenee Hanks (Andre), and Kindra Ronee Mason (Kevin); his sons, Jay Antoine Cooper and Ron Darrell Mason (Kim); his sister, Audrey C. Green; brothers, Raymond V. Copeland and Marvin E. Copeland (Julia); seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Special relationships also included three cherished aunts, Queen S. Blowe of Murfreesboro, NC, M. Louise Stephenson of Hampton, VA, and Ethel S. Armstrong (Lennox) of Richmond, VA, along with a lifelong friend, Elzie White.
Nelson was known for his intelligence, his tireless work ethic, and his incredible carpentry skills. He was kind, generous, and always willing to help others in their time of need. His love for his wife and family was the cornerstone of his life.
Nelson’s legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His beloved Angelia expressed their journey beautifully:
“There are no words deep enough to capture the enormity of his absence. The life we built together wasn’t perfect, but it was ours—a gift from God, rich with love and memories that will live on forever in my heart. The bond of true love transcends time, space, and even death. Love is eternal.”
Nelson’s light, love, and wisdom will be missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort and his legacy inspire all whose lives he touched.
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