Fannie Juanita Copeland

August 24, 1928 - October 1, 2021

Legacy of Life On October 1, 2021, Fannie Juanita Copeland answered the Master’s call and transitioned peacefully from her earthly works to eternal life with her family by her side. Fannie was born on August 24, 1928, to living parents, Booker Taliaferro and Bessie Walden Payton in Richmond, Virginia. Fannie, along with her siblings, Willa, Bessie, Booker T., and Geraldine was raised on 6th street in Historic Jackson Ward. Early in life, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Fannie and her family were devoted members of Hood Temple AME Zion Church where her grandfather; Omonus I. Walden, founded and organized the Zion mission. Fannie was raised in Hood while participating in a variety of organizations as a child, youth, adult, and senior member. She took pride in working on the Missionary Board, the Christmas Bazaar, and the Usher Board as the oldest and longest living member of Hood Temple AME Zion Church to date. Fannie practiced the love of the Lord through her many kind deeds and acts of love that were extended to everyone she met. She took great pride in raising her five children in Hood Temple AME Zion Church. She graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond, Virginia. Fannie earned her certification from the Medical College of Virginia where she worked as a dietitian. She also worked for Richmond Public Schools. Fannie and Oliver met at First Baptist Church, Centralia in Chesterfield, Virginia during Homecoming and fell in love. Fannie Juanita Payton and Oliver Braxton Copeland were joined in Holy Matrimony on April 11, 1951, in Richmond, Virginia. To this union, five children were born, Charmaine, Oliver Jr., Reuben, Dale, O’Neal. Fannie was a devoted wife and mother to her husband and five children whom she often referred to as “Her World.” Fannie was truly a fashion icon; she and her twin sister were often highlighted in The Afro Newspaper. She always enjoyed dressing up for all occasions. She was known for her “shades”, red nails, and red lipstick. As the neighborhoods’ fashion icon, neighbors would admire their outfits from their front porches as Fannie and Bessie strolled to and from church and festival events. Fannie was a community activist with voter registration. She became an Election Official for Henrico County in Central Gardens Voting Precinct where she served for many years. She instilled in her children at a young age the importance of voting. Fannie was a very considerate and warm-hearted person who had a great impact on everyone she met. She has a heart of gold and a smile that would warm up any room. She was truly a kind and giving person that made everyone feel special and was loved by many. Fannie will be remembered as a person that never took anything or anyone for granted. She lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, fashion, traveling, and above all going to church. She loved watching sports, her stories, and the game shows on TV. Her greatest love was serving the Lord. Fannie Copeland was preceded in death by her parents, Booker Taliaferro and Bessie Walden Payton, husband, Oliver B. Copeland, granddaughter, Krystal Brooks, 3 sisters: Willa Oliver, Bessie Jones (her twin), and Geraldine Thomas; and one brother, Booker T. Payton. She leaves to cherish her memory her 5 loving and devoted children, Charmaine Brooks, Oliver Jr. Copeland (Altamease), Reuben Copeland (Renita), Dale Maples (Andrew Sr.), and O’Neal Copeland (Jackie); 10 grandchildren who referred to her as “Donnie”, and whom she adored, Keyana, Zakia, Natasha, Kyron, Joy, Aya, Nicole, Andrew Jr., Kourtney and Reuben Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren; Teja, Jalin, Shamaya, Kadae, Kemani, Kyron Jr. (K.J), Ayden, Korie, Chandler, Karringtyn, Cameron and Mike Jr; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.