Mrs. Kaye Joan Copeland

Celebrating The Life Kaye Joan Copeland: Kaye Joan Bibb Copeland was born on March 7, 1948 (born 15 minutes before her twin sister Faye), in Detroit, Michigan, to the late James A. Bibb and the late Johnnie Mae Bibb. Kaye confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan, under the leadership of the late Rev. J.S. Green. In June 1966, Kaye graduated from Northeastern High School in Detroit, Michigan. While at Northeastern, she was a member of the girls basketball team and girls swim team (competitive and choreographed water ballet), earning letters in each. After graduating from high school, she worked at S.S. Kresge and studied business at the International Data Processing Institute in Detroit, MI. She later attended Highland Park Community College, Shaw College of Detroit, graduated from Shaw’s Medical Assistant Program, interned at Kirwood Hospital in Detroit, and attended Nursing School. On May 24, 1967, she married the late John R. Copeland, and they were married for 14 years. To this union, three sons were born, Antonio J. Copeland, Ricardo J. Copeland, and Vittorio J. Copeland. As a single, loving, devoted mother, she leaned on God’s guidance in the rearing of her three sons by instilling Christian values. Kaye was a good listener, friendly, kind to others and a person of integrity. Kaye was very gifted and talented in math, and achieved high scores in the advanced classes such as calculus and trigonometry, long before the use of scientific calculators in the classroom. She loved children, and when working at Children’s World, they would gravitate to her. She adored and cherished her grandson, Conner. They shared many memorable outings and celebrations. Kaye was an excellent cook. When she moved into her newly built condo, her home became the new cook-out location for friends and family. She was known for cooking turkey and dressing all year round. One of her siblings coined her “the Fast Cook” because she could prepare a meal in a minimum amount of time. Her sweet potato pies and checkerboard cakes were delicious, and her shrimp gumbo was loaded with plenty of shrimp. Kaye was very fashionable and had an affinity for fine jewelry, especially gold. She was often laced in gold necklaces and would wear a variety of diamond and gold rings on every finger. Her collection of unique Christmas trees and figurines brought shared joy and happiness to the Holiday season for her family and friends. She was a participant in “Race for the Cure” and was a supporter of other charitable organizations. Kaye worked for the State of Michigan Department of Social Services. Her work ethic was that of punctuality and dedication. She believed in arriving at least 30 minutes early to work, was passionate about her assignment, showed compassion for the clients, and sought to deliver high quality service. She was retired from the state of Michigan.

Mrs. Kaye Joan Copeland

March 7, 1948 - August 16, 2017