Frances Lee Smith Copeland, 91, a resident of Lake Prince Woods, died March 11, 2015. A native of Southampton County, she was the daughter of the late W. Booker Smith and late Lutie G. Smith, the stepdaughter of Susie J. Smith, and sister of the late Betty S. Vick.

Frances was a 1941 graduate of Ivor High School and a 1944 graduate of Mary Washington College. She retired in 1984 after having the privilege of working 35 years with high school students. She taught English and French at Chuckatuck, Martinsville, Holland and Whaleyville high schools. Then she enjoyed being librarian at Forest Glen High School for 19 years.

Frances was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Paul Leroy Copeland. They lived in the Liberty Spring community, where they were active members of Liberty Spring Christian Church. She was a teacher in the Ladies’ Bible Class and also served as church librarian. She was a member of the Friendly Circle, the Women’s Fellowship and the Liberty Spring Senior Citizens’ Club. After moving to Lake Prince Woods in 2002, she helped to establish the library there, and she also served on the Worship Committee.

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy C. Johnson and her husband, Randolph, of Clyde, N.C., Donna C. James and her husband, Walter, of Durham, N.C.; three grandchildren, Jennifer J. Laughlin, Scott Johnson and Paul James. She is also survived by two sisters, Eleanor S. Drake, of Greensboro, N.C., and Susan S. Murfee and her husband, Donald, of Williamsburg.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. in Liberty Spring Christian Church, with Pastor Allen Lancaster officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Liberty Spring Christian Church, 4213 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434, or to the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1515, Suffolk, VA 23439. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Condolences may be registered at www.RWBakerFH.com.