Mrs. Joanne Copeland White

Obituary For Mrs. Joanne Copeland White

Mrs. Joanne Copeland White passed on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 4:30 P.M. at Trice Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Southview Cemetery. Please keep the Copeland and White families in prayer.

Mrs. Joanne Copeland White was born on January 12, 1941, to the late Mrs. Della Mae Dean Copeland and the late Mr. John Henry Copeland in Thomaston, Upson County, GA.

Joanne was educated in the Upson County School System and attended the Thomaston Training School, which later became Drake High. She was a majorette who was very popular and well-liked by her peers. She had career aspirations of becoming a famous chef.

She pursued her culinary interests by working at various restaurants, but perhaps her greatest educational contribution was being a leader and mentor to her siblings. During her early womanhood, she moved to Ohio and married Mr. Sylvester Billups. He preceded her in death.

Joanne was a strong believer in the Christian faith. As a youth, she was a longtime, devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church in Thomaston, GA. Later in her adult years, she joined Good Shepherd Worship Center in Barnesville, GA. It was there that she spearheaded the church’s first major fundraising event to help build a new church. In fact, she raised the most money that year. As a result, she received the winning prize. When she married her husband Mr. Willie White on February 14, 2015, she moved her membership to join him at Mary Lizzie Baptist Church in Thomaston, GA. While there, she was an Usher, served on the Hospitality committee, a member of the Circle Aid Club, and volunteered her time in others areas of the church where her service was needed, She was always willing to lend a helping hand. Joanne has always been a selfless person, which made it easy to care for others. She received her STNA from the state of Ohio, enabling her to do private -duty nursing. She provided such good care that her clients loved her and did not want her to leave Ohio. After moving back to Georgia, she began baking desserts and catering private events. In addition to cooking, she enjoyed flea marketing and yard sales, TV games shows , watching sports with her husband, spending time with her grandchildren, and going to church. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Johnny Lewis Martin; one sister, Josephine Copeland Jordan; and one granddaughter, Jamilia Thompson Duffy. On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, the Lord called Joanne home from labor to reward. Her spirit too flight and went home to eternal rest. Joanne’s legacy lives on through her husband, Mr. Willie White of Thomaston, GA, her son, Mr. Maner (Chandra) Thompson, Jr. of McDonough, GA; two grandchildren. Ms. Chelsea Thompson of McDonough, GA and Mrs. Kristen (Michael) Betts of Calhoun, GA; three great-grandchildren, Ariel Duffy, Elliana Betts and Colin Powell; four sisters, Mrs. Martha C. Chambles of Thomaston, GA, Mrs. Barbara (Joseph) Kendall of Cleveland, OH, Mrs. Betty C. Prather of Atlanta, GA, and Ms. Bernita Copeland of Thomaston, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.