MURFREESBORO – Nancy Hall Sawyer Copeland, age 94, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2012. She was born in Elizabeth City on August 7, 1917, an only child of Marvin Buck Sawyer and Emily Robinson Hall Sawyer. She was the widow of Associate Justice J. William Copeland.
Mrs. Copeland was a 1938 graduate of Women‚??s College, which is now UNC Greensboro. She was a member of the Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, the Hertford County Democratic Women, and a Yellow Dog Democrat. Nancy was a former member of the University of N.C. Board of Trustees, N.C. Museum of History Associates, N.C. Symphony, Olla Podrida Book Club, and Chowan University Aquarobics. She was presented at the North Carolina Terpsichorean Debutante Ball in 1936.
She is survived by her daughter, Emily Copeland Cato and husband Robert T. Cato of Raleigh; sons, James W. Copeland, Jr. and his wife Katherine Sanders Copeland of Goldsboro, and Buxton Sawyer Copeland of Raleigh; and grandchildren, Christopher Copeland, Natalie Sawyer Copeland, Elizabeth Kusanke Cato, Nancy Moran Copeland, and Eva Carol Copeland. Besides her husband, Nancy was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Carol Smith Copeland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 392, Murfreesboro NC 27855; Murfreesboro Historical Association, P. O. Box 3, Murfreesboro NC 27855; or a charity of one‚??s choice.
Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, May 3, from 5-7:00 PM at the home, 407 East High Street, Murfreesboro.
A funeral service will be held Friday, May 4 at 11:00 AM at the Murfreesboro United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael F. Gast and the Rev. Monica Yungeberg officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.
Family and friends may send online condolences to www.garrettjonesfh.com
I talked to your Mother a few weeks ago at Smugglers Cove and she was as gracious as always…Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Judy
To: James, Katherine & the Copeland Family
We embrace you with our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
To: James, Katherine & the Copeland Family
We embrace you with our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Emily, Buck, & James, That wonderful laugh, that beautiful smile–I will so miss Nancy, my cousin by marriage and my dear friend!!! 94 wonderful years–she gave us all so much and did so much for us. You all can be so very proud to have such a dear mother and grandmother. This past year (after losing James), when we would talk on the phone, she always made me feel better. She was always interested in what I was doing and how the family was coping. She was such a good support for me. My love and prayers are with you all, Marie
James, Buck, and Emily,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom passing away. We had such great fun with her at the house with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, overnights, and Halloween adventures as well as the several times I was taken on trips to the State Fair with Jame. You are all in our prayers. Your Mom was was always great and wonderful to me and fed me very well when I came over. Again my sympathy to you all. I wish I was nearer and could be there.
Harry Vann
603 Old Cemetery Rd
Peacham VT 05862-2002
Buck and family,
I was very sorry to learn of your loss. I know all too well what you are feeling right now, and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sure that you have wonderful memories that will sustain you during the days ahead and always.
Wishing you peace and blessings,
Lorraine
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mrs. Copeland. It is my hope that her family knows the comfort of the Lord during this very difficult time.
Phil Berger
Emily, James, and Buck. I was so sorry to learn today of the passing of your mother. She was a wonderful lady, so pleasant, cheerful, and energetic. She was a good friend to my mother, Lavinia Vann for many years. She was always dignified and such a lady with grace and charm. I could go on and on. Please know that your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all. Lavinia Evans
I shall always remember “Miss Nancy” with her wonderful smile……she will be truly missed in our community ..prayers for all of her family……
Warmest regards….
Rebecca
I am so glad that I got to know your Mother, even the tiny bit that I did. She was a lovely and gracious presence. Since I heard nothing of her not being well, I am assuming her passing came quickly. I hope it also came without suffering. I know you will miss her. We look forward to seeing you and Bob when you are back in Raleigh.