Gladys Bass Copeland's Obituary
Gladys Bass Copeland, 87, longtime resident of Archer, Florida, died Tuesday, September 27, 2016, in the Palm Garden Nursing Home, following a brief illness.
Mrs. Copeland was born in Bell, Florida, on May 11, 1929 to the late Samuel and Elizabeth Bass, and as a young girl moved to Archer. She then met and married Felix Henry Copeland, to whom she was wed for over 50 years, until his death in 1997. Together they owned and operated Copeland’s Grocery and they farmed watermelons and cattle. She was a member of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church for most of her life. Gladys will forever be known for her generosity and giving nature, particularly to her family and her beloved community of Archer, where among other activities, she championed the construction of the newly opened Archer Community Center.
She is survived by her son, John (Laurie) Copeland of Longwood; a daughter, Lori Adams of Bradenton; step-son, Paul (Julie) Copeland of Archer; a sister, Audrey (Fred) Hodges of Gainesville; nieces, Beth Graetz and Cathy (Chris) Muzzey; a granddaughter, Kailey (Ryan) Simpson; step-grandchildren, Sue, Jana, Chris, Regina, Dana and Mark.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 11:00 A. M., in the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 16976 SW 137th Avenue, Archer, with Rev. Joshua Braley, church pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 399 Archer, FL 32618, in memory of Mrs. Copeland.
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gladys?
Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
How did Gladys make you smile?
