Obituary of Inez May Copeland

The sun rose on the life of Mrs. Inez May Copeland on March 8, 1934 in St. Georges, Bermuda when she was born to Sidney Dowling and Melba Waldron. The oldest of three children, Inez had two brothers, Frederick and Millan. An active child, she was always playing with her pet goat and riding her bike. She was the funniest one among her school friends. Inez ran track in high school, was frequently teased for her tiny waist - 21 inches - and was a loyal friend. Inez attended and graduated from the Girls Institute of Arts and Craft, a private girls school in Bermuda. She continued her education at Community College of Denver, Colorado earning an Associate's Degree in Accounting. Inez met and made friends with Doris Copeland, a visitor to Bermuda. This turned out to be significant meeting. When Inez visited New York later, Doris introduced her brother, Teddy, to Inez. They fell in love and were united in marriage on August 24, 1956 in New York. To this union were born four sons, Ruan, Darren, Gavin and Anthony. The family relocated to Colorado in 1965. They remember, "Dad highly respected Mom." Inez was a devoted and loving mother and the 'financial gatekeeper' of the household. She cooked Bermudian food: chicken curry, mac and cheese, peas and rice, rum cake, gingerbread, pound cake and cassava pie. She encouraged independence amongst her children and taught them to live life on their own terms. Her favorite admonition to her children and grandchildren was to never let their friends get them into trouble. She also often said, "hard heads lead to soft behinds.". In later years, her grandchildren, Krysta, Simone, Ysier, Akila and Ameszyah were an added joy in her life. They remember "Grandma Copeland (or Grandy) buying them chicken nuggets from Wendy's and visiting with her while dad went to the gym." A woman of faith, Inez was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Denver for many years. An accounting clerk by profession, she was employed with Chevron Oil Company for over twenty years. She was known for dependability and hard work. In her free time, Inez enjoyed quality time with family and friends, sewing, reading and cooking. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed conversations with friends and family in Bermuda. Her favorite color was peach and she most enjoyed listening to R&B music. Inez left a lasting impression on everyone with her sacrifices to make life better for her kids and loved ones. One of her proudest accomplishments was getting all her sons through college. Her love, kindness, wisdom and generosity will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have shared a part of this lovely lady's life. To know her was truly to love her. The sun set on the life of Mrs. Inez May Copeland on September 5, 2017 when the Lord called her home to eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents. Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Ruan Copeland of Aurora, CO, Darren (Ann Brecke) Copeland of Highlands Ranch, CO, Gavin (Bridgett) Copeland of Aurora, CO and Anthony (Kimberly) Copeland of Chicago, IL; brothers, Millan (Debra) Trott of Aurora, CO and Frederick Trott of St. Georges, Bermuda; five grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Rest in peace, Mrs. Inez May Copeland