Ann Barnes Copeland Baker

Ann Barnes Copeland Baker, of Winfall, NC, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. She was a beloved mother, wife, aunt and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to her family.

Ann was born in Edgecombe County on September 28,1940 and was the daughter of the late Woodrow Rose Barnes and Lucille Mae Holmes Barnes Ambrose. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Marshall Copeland; brother, Oscar Barnes; sister, Sarah Louise Stallings; stepdaughter, Jeannie Copeland; and daughter-in-law, Diane Copeland.

Her life was centered around her home and family - being a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend to many. She was a long-time, faithful member of Hertford Baptist Church as well her Addie White Sunday School class until recent years when her health precluded her being able to attend. She retired from Belk in Elizabeth City after many years of working in the Estee Lauder cosmetic department. She loved working with the many friends and customers who came to her for advice as well as consulting with her about their skin care and products. Among her many enjoyments in life included her love for helping her family and friends. She was Mother to many and the rock of her family- compassionate and deeply loved. Her presence, life experiences, encouragement and wisdom were a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her. Ann was a woman of deep faith and a devoted prayer warrior. Long after her passing her prayers will continue to be answered, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering love, strength, and enduring grace.

Surviving is her current husband, Douglas Baker; her son, Richard Copeland (Sharon) of Hertford; four sisters, Peggy Hutson (Lou) of Winston-Salem, Jo Joyner (Tommy) of Rocky Mount, Carolyn Ambrose of Manns Harbor, and Jeanette Barbee of Bentonville, VA; a brother, Charles Barnes (Beverly) of Southern Pines; a special niece, Tammy Hutson (Ben) of Phoenix, AZ; a nephew, Neil Trueblood of Hertford, as well many other nieces, nephews and great-nieces/nephews, all whom were very dear to her.

The family wishes to express special thanks to all of her care teams through the years and especially Chrystal Stork with DaVita Albemarle Dialysis Center; Mechell Smith, DNP, NP-C, and Melanie Meads, RN with Sentara Palliative Care, Elizabeth City NC.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Cedarwood Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the gravesite immediately following the service on Tuesday and all other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to Hertford Baptist Church, PO Box 34, Hertford, NC 27944 or to Bethany United Methodist Church, in care of Douglas Baker, PO Box 94, Winfall, NC 27985.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.