Laclede County Record logo and header

JOYCE ANN COPELAND

Posted

Joyce Ann Copeland, 68, of Independence, died Thursday, June 23, 2022, in Independence.

She was born Oct. 2, 1953, in Lebanon, Mo. to James and Evelyn Goodman Pearce.

In 1974 she married Billy Mac Copeland.

She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Mac Copeland, who died in 2011; her mother, Evelyn Pearce; her brother, Russell Dean Pearce; her sister, Connie Marie Pearce; loving grandparents Rev. Eddie and Effie Pearce and Irvin and Lenora Goodman.

Joyce lived most of her life in Independence, Mo, and remembers seeing President Truman on his daily walks when she was student at Palmer Junior High School. She accepted Christ into her heart and regularly attended services when she was able. Through her body and mind were broken, her spirit burned bright. She loved butterflies and was fascinated by their transformation, and always the gifted crafter, she made many variations of butterflies and decorated with them.

She is survived by two children, Trinidy Jay “TJ’’ Copeland (Shelly) and Lela Leigh Ann Copeland Jenkins and husband DJ; two grandchildren, Devonte and Neveah, all of Independence; her father, James Pearce of Warsaw; sisters, Linda Poos of Independence, and Tracie Hunsaker of Warsaw, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Joyce Ann Copeland were held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2022, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Ward officiating. Burial was in McBride Cemetery under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Memorials have been suggested to either McBride Cemetery or Crossroads Hospice, and may be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948, 1001 Lynn Street, Lebanon, Mo. 65536. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.