Elizabeth Copeland

Elizabeth Copeland, 96, of Vidor, died Sunday, February 27, 2022, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 1, 1925, in San Augustine County, Texas, to Cordelie Roberts Hodges and Matthew Hodges.

The day that Elizabeth Copeland gave her heart to God was a blessed day, indeed. She committed herself to Him, and it was her faithfulness to Him, along with her husband Garland’s dedication to God, that produced a loving family of five children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Out of this group came countless preachers, singers, worship leaders, Bible teachers, musicians, and people involved in every aspect of Apostolic ministry.

Elizabeth herself was a youth leader and Sunday school teacher for decades, as well as a singer in a traveling gospel quartet during the 1960s. She made living for God her highest priority and had a sincerity about her walk with Him second to none. She absolutely loved the word of God and spent many hours studying her Bible. On top of that, she had a massive collection of preaching cassette tapes, and listened to hundreds of them throughout the years, often wanting to discuss them and share them with anyone who walked in the door.

Elizabeth did not just talk about what she believed, but she lived it. Many were the hours at home spent praying and singing praises to God. She made sure that her family was at church any time the doors were open, whether it was regular church, youth service, or prayer meeting. When her children would get home from school, she would not only have a hot dinner waiting on the stove, but she would also have their church clothes freshly ironed and laid out on their beds. Many times, those clothes had also been painstakingly sewn by her own hands.

Garland and Elizabeth constantly made sacrifices for their children, not the least of which was their adamant desire for their children to each play at least one instrument. Even when they would barely have money to pay the grocery bill, they paid for private music lessons for each of their five children. Many was the time the children were not allowed to go outside and play with their friends until they had completed their daily music practice, and one daughter in particular, who shall not be named, remembers well the switching’s she would get if she tried to slack on her practice. This diligence on Elizabeth’s part produced children who were proficient organists, pianists, and trumpet and trombone players, all of whom still use their musical gifts to this day to worship God.

Elizabeth was a cook extraordinaire. One of her greatest delights was cooking for her family, and also for visiting ministers and their families. Her rich, hearty meals will never be forgotten…chicken and dumplings, steak and gravy, collards and pinto beans with salt pork, coconut cake, vanilla cream pie…the list goes on…and only God knows how many eggs she fried in her lifetime!

She also was a gracious and warm hostess, always making her guests feel welcomed and appreciated. She loved company and never felt that visitors were a burden to be borne, but rather a blessing to be appreciated.

So many more accolades could be given but suffice it to say that Elizabeth was an extremely well-loved woman. Her children cherished her, and even up to the day she passed away, they spent untold hours with her, visiting and laughing, reminiscing, or just holding her hand and praying. She had such a closeness to her children and grandchildren such that they always knew they could confide in her and gain nothing but love and support, and maybe a few words of wisdom, as well. Her legacy cannot be measured in dollars or even tangible accomplishments, but it can be measured in the Christian progeny that she produced. Surely it can be said of Elizabeth Copeland that “…her children arise up and call her blessed”.

Mother, we miss you already and your absence has left a huge void in our lives. But we have comfort in knowing that you are suffering no longer, and that you and Daddy are having the time of your lives exploring that great city together. Save a place for us, because it won’t be long, and we will all be together again. Thank you for being the best mother (and MawMaw) that any of us could have wished for. We love you so very much.  Geraldine, Ronnie, Marvin, Tim, and Teresa

Survivors include her children, Geraldine McMullen and her husband, Reverend Steve McMullen; Ronnie Copeland and his wife, Barbara; Marvin Copeland and his wife, Mozelle; Teresa Cardwell; and Reverend Tim Copeland and his wife, Kathy; grandchildren, Rebecca Parker; Rachael Starr and her husband, Arlis; Reverend Mark Copeland and his wife, Melanie; Renee Soape; Matt Copeland and his wife, Geina; Reverend Ray Copeland and his wife, Beth; Kurtis Copeland; Nilah Reed and her husband, Randle; Reverend Nicholas Cardwell and his wife, Whitney; Reverend Jordan Copeland and his wife, Chaney; Caleb Copeland and his wife, Sarah; Reverend Benjamin Copeland; and Reverend Clark Copeland; great-grandchildren, Stephen Parker; Karlie Parker, Seth Parker, Jude Starr; Gabriel Starr; Savannah Copeland; Olivia Craft and her husband, Dylan; Somer Cooper; Kaleigh Soape; Lauren Morales and her husband, Caleb; Lexi Copeland; Lyndon Copeland; Katelynn Copeland; Kenley Copeland; Brock Reed; Braylon Reed; Brendyn Reed; Adelyn Cardwell; Nolan Cardwell; Atlas Copeland; Cyrus Copeland; great-great-grandchildren, Charlotte Carpenter, Aurora Soape, Tinsleigh Cooper, and Adley Singletary; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Garland Copeland; daughter-in-law, Ann Copeland; son-in-law, Reverend Wayne Cardwell; seven brothers; and six sisters.

A gathering of Mrs. Copeland family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Apostolic Church of Beaumont, 3333 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, Silsbee.  Her interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, FM 105, Vidor, Texas.