Mrs. Rochell Copeland

In Loving Memory Of Rochell Copeland was born in Montgomery, Alabama on April 22, 1931, to the union of Willie and Louise Denard, who preceded her in death. She was educated in the Birmingham Public Schools and graduated from Parker High School. Rochell joined the Oak Street Baptist Church in Birmingham at an early age and sang in the choir. When she relocated to Detroit in the early 1950’s she joined with the True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Johnson. She sang in the choir and faithfully supported the church both financially and spiritually. Rochell met and married the love of her life, Ned Copeland on April 23, 1959. This union was blessed with six children: Fred, Mable, Marva, Willie, Josie, and Victor Copeland. They all preceded her in death. On December 10, 1964 Rev. Ned Copeland was called to Pastor Romulus Community Baptist Church and Rochell officially moved her membership to this church on March 15, 1965. Rochell applied all her talents to the work of the church and gave much love to her church family. Over the years, she served on the Usher Board, the Mother’s Board, the Pastor’s Aide, and she sang in the choir. She was always front and center helping with every cause and special event. She was also mothering and loving on all the children of the flock. Rochell worked in retail for many years until school busing begin in Detroit which created the perfect job for her. She then became a bus attendant for special needs children. This job allowed her to mentor, support and love hundreds of children until she retired. Many of these children called upon her for guidance long after they aged out of the school system. Rochell was a superb cook, an adventurous traveler and avid bowler. She joined the Fantastic’ s bowling club shortly after it was formed and was on a team that won the City Championship and was “Bowler of the Month” on several occasions. She remained an active member of the club until she retired her ball and remained a Lifetime Member until her death. She was a devoted member of her church and appreciated all the love, support, prayers and monthly visits with communion she received right up until her death. Rochell departed this life on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Waterford Oaks Senior Care after a brief illness. She leaves a rich legacy of giving and caring for others. She never denied a friend, refused a request from her church family, or failed to support any family member or friend. She leaves to celebrate her life a brother, Archie Denard; a sister, Bertha Denard; a “niece”/caregiver Joyce White; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, her church family and a host of other relatives and friends. We will miss her.

Mrs. Rochell Copeland

April 22, 1931 - June 17, 2024