Dr. Crosby Copeland, Jr., 87, of Ewing Township, NJ departed this life on February 9, 2021 at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Born in Trenton, NJ, Crosby was a 1951 graduate of Trenton Central High School. He then earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Grambling State University. Crosby served in the United States Army. He later obtained a Master’s Degree from Trenton State College and a Doctorate of Education from Nova University. Dr. Copeland was purely devoted to the field of education – starting his career in 1955. He went on to serve as Superintendent of Trenton Public Schools. He was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church. Crosby was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., NAACP, National Urban League, and the National Education Association. He was predeceased by his father, Cosby Copeland; mother, Rushie Belle Copeland; son, Crosby Copeland III; sister, Ruby Owens and brother, Charles Terry. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Roselie Copeland; son, Shawn Copeland (Christi); brother, James Copeland; sisters, Barbara Copeland-Jackson and Joan Gilliard; grandchildren, Jae, Blake, Courtney and Josh Copeland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 1pm at For the Glory of God Church, 471 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be on Saturday from 11am to 1pm at the church with Organizational Services beginning at 12:15pm. Interment will be in Ewing Church Cemetery. Arrangements are by Campbell Funeral Chapel, Trenton. www.campbellfc.com Memorial Contributions may be made to: Trenton Kappa Foundation, P.O. Box 7582 Ewing, NJ 08628 – (Write “Dr. Crosby Copeland, Jr. Memorial Scholarship” in memo section of check).

Published by The Trentonian from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Crosby Copeland

Sponsored by Campbell Funeral Chapel - Trenton.

27 Entries

Rocky and Paulette Peterson

February 25, 2021

Trenton “made” Dr. Copeland. Thank God the “world” didn’t “take him” away from us. He remained here and became a role model for so many in our community. His spirit lives on in those of us whose lives he touched.

Alvina Hallett

February 23, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Copeland and family. May God comfort and give you all peace. Dr. Copeland Rest In Peace. You completed your task and did it well.

Dr. gilda Rorro

February 22, 2021

Dr. Copeland was a gentleman and a quintessential educator. He encouraged me to work in the Trenton Board of Education. He has gifted a lasting legacy to all who knew him.

Cav. Dr. Gilda Rorro

Darlene Dent

February 22, 2021

A beautiful person, Who gave so much to the City of Trenton. My Sincere Condolences to Rose n his family. Will miss his presence at Shiloh, always sat behind me. SIP Dr. Crosby.

Thomas Humphrey

February 21, 2021

I owe my advancement in education to Dr. Copeland. He was the principal at Trenton H.S. when I finished my master's degree in Educational Administration and applied for a vice principalship under him . He endorsed my appointment and later supported many of my proposals to improve student performance in 'Trenton. He asked me to accompany him to New Orleans to attend the national conference on curriculum advances in high schools. I was very excited to see him named Superintendent of Schools for our city. His strength was always his loyalty, his knowledge of the city's needs and his positive thinking. I will never forget his helping me and his attentive listening to my ideas for change. My deepest sympathy today to Mrs. Copeland and his family and my prayers for his eternal rewards in heaven. Rest in peace, Cope. Tom Humphrey

JOHN AND PAT PARKER AND FAMILY

February 20, 2021

To the family of Dr Crosby Copeland , may the God of all peace comfort you and strengthen you at this your time of sorrow. JOHN

Edna Daniels

February 20, 2021

Dr. Copeland will be missed by all of the black community. He touched so many lives as an educator and as a member of the District.

Edna Daniels, class of 69 at junior 5 and 72 at TCHS.

Ruth Jackson

February 20, 2021

My memories of Dr. Copeland go back as far as my first day at school in 1960, and my last was as a graduate of TCHS "73". He served as a good role model, watching him go from Mr. to Dr. Teacher to Principal to the Superintendent. He taught us to climb. That was and still is an important lesson for students. To reach for something, achieve it, and always climb.

Cheryl Velazquez

February 20, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Brister Family from Theresa Street

Willie O. Glenn

February 20, 2021

I want to to express my condolences to the Crosby Family and just remember that GOD will take care of you.
Rev.Willie O. and Inita Glenn Durham NC

Jonathan Johnson

February 19, 2021

Mr. Crosby was a great man. I will never forget my Jr. 1 days when he was a gym teacher along with Mr. Paige. Will miss him Jonathan Johnson

Sandra Griffiths

February 19, 2021

The TCHS Class of 1981 send our condolences to the Copeland Family. Dr. Copeland was a beloved principle and educator. We thank him for his dedication to excellence and driving us to be the best we could be.

Jennie Hill

February 19, 2021

Dr. Crosby Copeland was a remarkable and outstanding principal. His admiration for education toward the students were sincere with compassion and determination. He was a mentor and encouraged me to strive for success. I will treasure the memories of Dr. Copeland forever. Rest in Peace my friend

Jennie Hill - student
Class of 1979

Kisha Waters

February 18, 2021

Crosby Copeland wasn't just an uncle I loved, but one that I truly admired, looked up too, and respected. I will miss his cool gentleness and raspy voice. May he always Rest In Peace. Much love, your niece Kisha

Freemon Johnson and Family

Planted Trees

Freemon Johnson and Family

February 18, 2021

Dr. Copeland was a good man and mentor to us all. I will always remember the times we had, the impact he has had on our pilgrimage from childhood to young men. In our circle of friends he was another father to me.

Harry Barber

February 18, 2021

My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Copeland. He was a true professional who wanted to get the best out of people. I enjoyed the years working with and for him. I wish the family peace and that Dr. Copeland will RIP , having completed a life well lived.

Bill Hardison

February 17, 2021

I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Crosby Copeland. I remember him as Coach Copeland from my days at Junior HS # One and at THS when he was a gym teacher and a coach of the football team. He was a task master at times in the gym and on the field; always wanted the best from you and nothing less. I still have fond memories of him chewing me out on the football field, trying to make me a better player. Mr. Copeland was a good man and role model for my brother Brandon and I. Our father passed while we were attending Junior One and Mr. Copeland was always there to keep us encouraged. He would say that we can aspire to do great things if we put our hearts and minds into it. I will be forever be grateful for his example and will forever cherish his impact on my life. Praying that God will cover the Copeland family under the shadow of His wings with His comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding....Van Hardison

Edna Daniels

February 17, 2021

My condolences to the family. Mr. Crosby was a great educator.

Tom Passerella

February 17, 2021

Dr. Copeland will be missed by all those whose lives he touched including mine. First met Cope when I taught summer school at Jr. #1 and year or so later he joined the staff at Jr. #2 as VP. Subsequently assigned to THS as our principal where I enjoyed working under his tutelage for a number of years. A real and caring human being who led by example. A man of great character. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Joseph Radice

February 17, 2021

I was a friend of cosby from school and sports. One of the nicest guy around. RIP my friend Joe Radice

Herb Spiegel

February 17, 2021

A real good guy and a high school buddy. RIP my good friend
Herb Spiegel

Brandon K. Hardison

February 17, 2021

Coming from the East side of Trenton and losing my father during my 7th-grade year at Junior one. Coach was always there to give that support that both my brother Van and I needed. Later in my life, I told Dr. Copeland that I wanted to teach and get away from the business world. He assisted me in getting into Jr. 3 as a History teacher and we did some outstanding things for the school and the district - like bring the sitting Governor Tom Kean to be the commencement speaker for the graduates of Jr. 3 that year. My first cousin Robert Lawrence, Cope, and others would always ask me to D.J. special events that they had, many at the coach's home. I last saw him at Bob Lawrence's grave as we talked about the good times and supporting the capital city. The doctor touched so many and helped others on his journey here on earth and I will never forget him. I enjoyed it when he would come to a Trenton Thunder game and give me support as the first black public address announcer "Trenton Makes The World Takes" - You belong to the ages and will always be missed.

Helen D Pressley & Family THS Class 75

February 17, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sip on your journey to Heaven. Your job was well done, Thank you.

Les & Sara Summiel & family

February 17, 2021

Extending our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Rose Copeland and family. Dr. Copeland was the man of all seasons and the greater Trenton community was the beneficiaries of his leadership and valor. He was a mentor to many. He will be missed; but his legacy will be forever remembered. May God bless & keep you during this difficult period.

Heidi Furman

February 16, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. Heidi Houck Furman TCHS class of 1971.

Ron & Maryann Cefalone

February 16, 2021

To Copeland Family: Maryann and I send our deepest sympathy. We remember Doctor Copeland as a professional educator and leader. He was well respected and will be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Ron & Maryann Cefalone

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