Mary E. Copeland

Mary E. Copeland, age 81, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on May 21, 2024. She was born in Kalamazoo on November 17, 1942, the daughter of the late Walter and Cleo (Gibson) Hambright. Mary loved life and enjoyed the peaceful moments it offered. She was a caretaker at heart which led to owning and operating "Mary's Daycare" for more than thirty years. The children who came into her life benefited from her tenderness and grace and she became a second mom to many. Mary loved spending time at the family farm where the windows and door were always open; one to a summer's breeze and the other to family and friends. She was a gifted cook, and her baked goods were always enjoyed. She enjoyed planting flowers and working in the garden. Above all Mary loved her family and she was especially proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. On April 21, 1988, she married the love of her life Robert Copeland who preceded her in passing. She was also preceded in passing by a daughter, Pam Cordray; stepsons, Bobby and Kevin Copeland; brothers, Wes and Bill Hambright. Mary is survived by three children, Debbie Lee, Julie (Russ) Sutton, John (Teresa) Lee; step-daughters, Ruth (Kevin) Norton and Debbie Werner; grandchildren, Amy (Rick) Read, Sanya, Felicia and Nick Cordray, Christopher Cooper, Scott (Shannon) Cooper, Devin and Brittney Lee, Jimmy, Noah and Nevaeh Harness, Regan Lee; step-grandchildren, Travis (Karisa) Norton, Justin (Sheila) Norton and James Werner; sisters, Pat Buell, Alma (Tootie Ann) Hambright, Iva Montgomery; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A service to celebrate her life will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with the family welcoming guest beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital c/o the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.