Leon Copeland

Leon Copeland was born in Suffolk, VA (Nansemond County) on March 21, 1940 to the late Johnnie Clinton Copeland and Pattie King Copeland. He was the seventh of their 11 children. 

He graduated from East Suffolk High School in 1960.  While in high school, he was a popular sportsman. He participated and exceled in baseball, basketball, and football, but football was his favorite.  However, he was known for his agility on the basketball court and his “hot-tempered” reactions.   Leon then enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country both at home and abroad.  He also enjoyed the sport of boxing as a soldier.   After his discharge in 1963, he worked in the Newport News Shipyard and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a welder.  After beginning his job as a Star Route Mail Carrier for the US Postal Service, he retired after 25 years.  

Those that knew Leon knew these things about him:  He was often seen riding his tractor, gardening, and going fishing, or hunting.  He loved the outdoors!  He was very generous in frequently sharing his fishing, hunting spoils and garden bounty with family and close friends.  Leon was also an active member of the Hosier Lane Hunt Club.  He worked fervently for his church, Healing Chapel Baptist.  He played a key role in the reconstruction of the current worship center.    After serving many years as a trustee, he was elected Chairman of the Trustee Ministry.  

In the quietness of the early morning, on March 21, 2023, Leon celebrated his 83rd birthday and his home going. Surrounded by his beloved family, he peacefully transitioned from his earthly body, after boldly battling a two year bout of illness, to his eternal home in the arms of our Lord and Savior.  

Leon leaves to cherish his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Mary Wilson Copeland. To this union two children were born:  Leona Copeland Gill (SC) and Dr. Clinton Lee Copeland (Brooke) (VA).   He also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved grandchildren.  They include:  Yvonne Gill, Noah Copeland, Ava Gill, William Copeland Gill (affectionately known as Tank), Julian Bell, and Adriane Harden (daughter of Jerome Harden).  His great-grand children are Jerom-e Thomas, Jias Speed, and Jahki Speed. 

He is survived by four siblings - Johnnie C. Copeland, Richard Copeland (Barbara), Alvin Copeland (Jackie), and Elaine Lee (Clarence), - a sister-in-law, Laura Copeland (Florida) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  His siblings who went before him were Mattie Lee Eley, Alice Bland, Walter Copeland, Mack Copeland, Pattie Garris, and Irene Copeland. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that potted plants be sent to either 9100 River Crescent Suffolk, VA  23434 or Crocker Funeral Home 900 East Washington St. Suffolk, VA 23434

A celebration of life will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Healing Chapel Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.