In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mrs. Ella Jeannette Thomas Copeland. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 29, 2023 1:00 pm at Central United Methodist Church 501 M.L.K. Jr Drive Atlanta, GA 30314. Interment will be at Westview Cemetery 1680 Westview Dr. SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Viewing will be held at Grissom-Clark Funeral Home Friday, April 28, 2023 12noon-6:00pm. 404-373-3191.

Mrs. Ella Jeannette Thomas Copeland was the last of five children born to the late United Methodist Pastor & Mrs. Walter and Eugenia Angelo Thomas in Hainesville, Louisiana. She is preceded in death by her siblings Florence , William Lee, Adele Leontyne, and Anna Elizabeth.

Jeannette was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School class of 1952. After graduation she enlisted into the United States Air Force. While in the Air force Jeannette worked as an Air Traffic Controller and rose to the ranks of Sergeant during her time in the service.

Upon completion of her Air Force career, she enrolled in Clark College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Education. Jeannette then furthered her education at Atlanta University where she earned a Master's in Mathematics Education.

Soon after graduation Jeannette began her career as an Elementary School teacher. Her service in this field began at Wesley Avenue Elementary. She then matriculated to Gideon Elementary and Anne E. West Elementary schools. Jeannette finished her career at her alma mater Booker T. Washington High School. She retired from education in 1992 after 36 years of service.

On September 2, 1962, Jeannette was united in holy matrimony to Nathaniel V. Copeland. To their union two children were born, Clinton Wayne and Natalie Jeanne.

Jeannette was a woman of service. She started her life of service in 1938 when she became a member of Central United Methodists Church. While at Central Jeannette participated as a Nursery and Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher, Acolyte Sponsor, Usher, Superintendent of Sunday School, Breakfast Ministry, Repass Ministry, SPRC, Finance Committee, Trustee Board, Food Pantry Bank, Church office volunteer, United Methodist Women, Youth Enrichment Program (taught sewing), Church Clean-up and Bridging the Gap.

In addition to her church service, immediately after retirement Jeannette started a whole new career of servicing the community. She began volunteering at Southwest Regional Library, Meals on Wheels, AARP tax preparer and Church receptionist volunteer. She continued in these capacities until her illness and COVID.

She will forever be remembered by her loving husband; Nathaniel, her children Mr. & Mrs. Wayne (Terri) Copeland, Mr. & Mrs. Natalie (Ron) Hope; grandchildren, Kennedy, Clinton, Tyshawn and Shonta; a devoted “other daughter” /niece Mr. & Mrs. Cheryl (Terry) Talbot; great grandchildren, Cephas and Nami Talbot; brother-in-law Artis (Shirley) Copeland, a dear friend “other sister” Willie Belle (Raymond) Harris. Long time; friends, Peggy Wade and Erma Roberts; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jeannette was also known for her baking, especially her Pound Cakes and Peach Cobblers. In addition to being a seamstress. She is in Heaven storing up baked goods until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers please find the link for the “Ella Jeannette Thomas Copeland Memorial Scholarship Fund” linked below: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/clark-atlanta-university-inc/ella-jeannette-thomas-copeland-memorial-scholarship-fund