Celebration ofLift for Mn Qrady E* Copeland Friday, November 3 0, 2 001 2:00 P.M. Bethel A.M.E. Church 623 Crawford Avenue ~ Augusta, Georgia The Reverend Larry W. Hudson, Sr. ~ Pastor O//iciating Obituary In the time of sorrow it is comforting to reflect on how our lives have been enriched by the love we have given and received. The soul of fWf. QTady *. CopeCand, took its flight on Sun day, November 25, 2001, at University Hospital. He was born to the late Jim and Mary Copeland in LaGrange, Geor gia. He attended the public schools of LaGrange and graduated from East Depot High School. He furthered his education at Savannah State University obtaining a B. S. Degree in Business Administration and a M.B.A. Degree with a concentration in Accounting at Atlanta University. He retired from Savannah River Site after thirty one (31) years with the Department ofEnergy as Small and Minority Business Represen tative. Shorty after moving to Augusta, he joined Bethel A.M.E. Church. He was elected to the Board of Trustees and joined the HannanStephens Choir. Other community services include becoming a Char ter member of the East Augusta Volunteer Fire Dept., a Charter mem ber of Frontiers International and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. To cherish his memories are: his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Hettie F. Copeland; two daughters, Ms. Yolanda F. Copeland and Dr. Stacy (Reginald) Davis, Galax, VA; one sister, Mrs. Lula Rowe, LaGrange, GA; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Johnnie M. Spaulding, Savannah, GA, Mrs. Mildred Ponder, Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Mrs. Letha Hickson, Jacksonville, FL; one brother-in-law, Xenophone Hickson, Jackson ville, FL; devoted nieces, Mrs. Rita (Alberto) Lopez, Newnan, Geor gia and Mrs. Kathy (Anthony) Moore, Mableton, GA; nephew, Carl (Diane) Rowe, Powder Springs, GA; several nieces and nephews-inlaw; and a host of other relatives and friends. "Tis not "Goodbye," beloved, Tis only just "Farewell." A little whik - a moment" We too with Christ shall dwell, And so we dry the falling tear, Order OfService Presiding ~ The Reverend Lorry W. Hudson, Sr. The Prelude ......................... Dr. Ronald Spearman Dr. Maria Black The Processional............................ Clergy and Family The Hymn .................................. Mass Choir "Blessed Assurance" ~ Hymn No. 250 The Invocation ........................ Rev. Stephen Smith Hunters Chapel U.M. Church The Scriptures Old Testament .................. The Rev. Nedenia P. Clanton Brannen Chapel U.M. Church New Testament..................... Minister Joan R. Harrell The Selection ................................ Mass Choir "When Peace Like A River" The Expressions of Comfort Church ~ Bro. Wattie Stewart Savannah River Site ~ Mr. Donnie Campbell Neighbor ~ Mrs, Armenia Fryer Friend ~ Mr. Willie Gainous The Selection ................................ Mass Choir Martha Clanton ~ Soloist The Obituary .............................. Read Silently The Acknowledgements ................ . Dr. Emma M. Seay The Solo ............................... Mrs. Beverly Hall The Eulogy ..................... Rev. Larry W. Hudson, Sr. The Recessional ......................... Clergy and Family The Interment ............... Mt. Olive Memorial Gardens ~ Fellowship" Bethel Alpha Center at Active Pallbearers Nathaniel Clark, Jr. Carl Rowe Wilbert Gallop George Mills Anthony Williams Reginald Davis Willie Gainous Anthony Thomas ^ - Honorary Pallbearers ; The Stewards & Trustees of Bethel A.M.E. Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The East Augusta Volunteer Fire Department M " --, .- Flower Bearers The Stewardesses and Ushers ""-. - - ^l* V V *** .: . - Im Free Dont grieve for me, for now Im free, Im following the path God has laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone must sta} that way, I found peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow, My lifes been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Dont lengthen it now with undue grief, Lift up your hearts, and share with me, God wanted me NOW, He has set me free. -' ..: . ' '''" },'--. HP HP Hp Hp : . ''.. . .. : ~ Acknowledgements ~ The family of the late Grady E. Copeland, acknowledges with grate ful appreciation all acts of sympathy shown during their hours of bereavement. Your comforting words, prayers, flowers, and other acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. God bless and keep you in His care. Hp ri? ff? HE* Final Services Entrusted To Historic Dents Undertaking Establishment