July 15, 2011

SUFFOLK — “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Apostle Deborah Marie Morris-Copeland was born on Oct. 13, 1956, to the late Aaron Morris and Eunice H. Morris. During the late afternoon of Friday, July 15, Deborah transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home.

A native of Suffolk, Deborah attended Suffolk Public Schools and was a member of Rising St. James Holiness Church.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, James Walter, Aaron Jr., Edward and Albert Morris and her sister, Dora Mae Norman.

Apostle Copeland is survived by her husband, Vernon Copeland; a son, Varron L. Colbert (Keisha), daughters, Kenya Y. Colbert and Avis Boone-Paul; brothers, the Rev. Dr. William Morris (Mildred), Johnnie Morris (Nora); sisters, Bernice Scott, Brenda Wade (Lee), Barbara Willie (Antonio); grandchildren, Kanisha, Kwanisha, Nyisha, Myisha, Varron Jr., LaShay and Jasmine; step-children, Scottie, Tiffany, Tanisha, Tonna and Eric Copeland; 11 step-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, James Norman, Robert Copeland (Terry), Danny Copeland and Gary Copeland; sisters-in-law, Barbara Morris, Rebecca Jordan (Leon), Joyce Williams (Walter), Emma and Mary Copeland; devoted friends, Ann Stallings and Vanessa Copeland; godchildren, Jahshad, Deon and Darrin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Apostle Copeland’s visitation will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 19, from noon to 5 p.m., and the family will receive guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests will be received at 804 Nixon Drive at all other times. A service of remembrance will take place at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries on Wednesday, July 20, at 1:30 p.m. She will be laid to rest in the Balm of Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy, cards of condolence and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com. Professional funeral arrangements are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home, Inc.