Barbara Jean Copeland

Barbara Jean Copeland peacefully slipped into eternal rest on August 22, 2026, at the age of 84. Born Barbara Jean Taylor on February 1, 1942, in Portsmouth, Virginia, she was the daughter of Cora Taylor and Ralph Taylor Sr. Raised in Portsmouth, Barbara attended Crestwood Elementary and Our Lady of Victory Catholic School before graduating from I.C. Norcom High School. She grew into a compassionate and determined woman whose life was defined by service—to her family, her patients, her community, and America’s veterans. Barbara lived a remarkably rich and fulfilling life. As a military spouse, she had the opportunity to travel abroad and experience life in many places. While living in Germany, she served as Director of the Bitburg Air Force Base Child Care Facility. She later pursued a career in nursing, attending nursing school in San Antonio, Texas, and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Throughout her 50-year career, Barbara cared for patients in hospitals across several states, including Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, and Virginia. Her final years in nursing were spent in nephrology, where she provided compassionate care to patients undergoing dialysis treatments. In 2016, Barbara retired from nursing to care for her late first husband, John Edward Copeland, until his passing. Her decision reflected the devotion and selflessness that characterized every area of her life. As a child, Barbara dreamed of serving in the military. Although her mom would not allow her to enlist, she remained deeply connected to the military community through her extraordinary service with the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27 of Portsmouth, Virginia, as well as the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Department of Virginia. For more than four decades, Barbara devoted her time, leadership, and heart to these organizations, including her service as State Commander in Virginia. She was highly esteemed for her dedicated and exceptional service and was passionate about supporting disabled veterans and their families. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Cora Davis Taylor Burton; her father, Ralph Taylor, Sr.; her sister, Jeanette Taylor; and her three brothers, Ralph Taylor Jr., Anthony “Kato” Taylor, and Vincent Taylor. To cherish her memory, Barbara leaves her loving husband, William McKinley Cherry; two devoted sons, Larry Copeland and Anthony Copeland (Angelia); and a beloved grandson, Michael Copeland, whom she adopted and lovingly raised as her son. She also leaves 28 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, four godchildren, and her beloved dog, Coco. Barbara leaves extended family members Lester and Nell Hood of Portsmouth, VA; David and Evelyn Dupree of Walstonburg, NC; Joyce & James Henderson, Jr. of New Bern, NC; Dana & Rogelio Harris, Sr. of Portsmouth, VA; Hazel Bell of Portsmouth, VA; Pearlina Brown of Portsmouth, VA; Diane Rabb, who was like a daughter to her, of Portsmouth, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who loved her immeasurably. Barbara’s life was one of compassion, courage, leadership, and unwavering service. Whether caring for her patients, advocating for veterans, traveling from state to state in support of the DAV, or nurturing her family, she gave generously of herself. Her remarkable legacy of love and service will live on in every life she touched.

Barbara Jean Copeland

February 1, 1942 - August 22, 2026