Wayman Alfred Copeland

Wayman Alfred Copeland was the youngest son of Rev. Joseph McKinley Copeland and Lillian Copeland; born in Portsmouth, Virginia on May 6, 1944. Wayman graduated from I.C. Norcom High School where he was a star runner on their track team. He always talked about the time he competed at the Penn Relays. He grew up as a member of Zion Bethel United Church of Christ and he attended Norfolk State University as an engineering major. Wayman grew up in Portsmouth as a “Preacher’s Kid”. His father pastored several Norfolk churches; thus, he also became an integral part of the Norfolk community as well as the Brighton community in which he lived. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. After his service, he moved his family to New York City, where he worked with the New York City Transit Authority; then moved to Washington D. C. where he worked with the Washington D. C. Transit Authority. He was stationed in Bermuda as a U. S. Government employee for several years and returned to the States in 1992. Upon returning to the States, he worked at the Norfolk Naval Base as an Electrical Power Specialist in the Public Works Department. He retired from the Naval Base in 2006. In semi-retirement, Wayman worked with AVIS car rental company in various positions for over 13 years. Upon returning to Virginia, he reconnected with Joan Rhodes at an I. C. Norcom class reunion and they married in 1993. Wayman and Joan joined First Baptist Church where he became an active member of the church. He served on the transportation ministry and was the driver for the students in READY Academy, where he took the kids for their swimming lessons and their trips. He also was the driver for the church’s Seniors In Action Ministry, bringing them back and forth to their meetings and taking them on their special outings. He was the driver for the Tutorial Ministry and for various church outings. He generously donated lots of supplies and items to READY Academy and was voted their “Grandfather of the Year” in 2018. Wayman was also active in the Men’s Ministry and worked on several projects in the church including the Quinnerly House. Wayman and Joan also owned an art gallery in Portsmouth, VA. “The Art Atrium II” for several years. This business was a major cultural force in the downtown Portsmouth community. Wayman loved to cook. One of his specialties was gumbo. The origins of gumbo can be traced back to West Africa. It is a dish that takes time, preparation and it has a purpose. Wayman’s gumbo was not ready until all required ingredients were included, carefully prepared and blended together to produce a meal of substance and love. Wayman’s gumbo was always for his community of family and friends. To sit at his table, to be fed by his gumbo, love, and laughter resulted in a meal that filled our bodies and our souls. Wayman loved his family. He travelled often to their sports activities, their birthdays and graduations and other special events. Wayman was also known for his passion for researching family histories. He researched and wrote a book on the history of the Copeland family entitled “Copeland Family Reunion” which contained his collection of family research. He could always tell you about a family member and their relationship and connection to the Copelands. He also performed family research services for other friends and families. Wayman was pre-deceased by his first wife, Shirley Ricks Copeland and his father, Rev. Joseph M. Copeland. Wayman leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Joan; his sons Vincent (Karen) Boone; Damon (Beatrice) Copeland; and Victor Boone; and daughter Michelle (Milbert) Rhodes-Brown; seven grandchildren, Vincent Boone Jr., Tyler Boone, Kassidy Boone, Victoria Brown, Raymond Brown, Davis Copeland and Dylan Copeland. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Lillian Copeland; his brother Joseph (Francine) Copeland, and many other nieces, cousins, family members and devoted friends. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the READY Academy Christian School of The Historic First Baptist Church.

Wayman Alfred Copeland

May 6, 1944 - September 2, 2023