Jessica Patrice Copeland

On April 30, 1987, God sent an Angel to Earth, and to her parents, Gregory and Anita Copeland, and they named her Jessica Patrice. Jessica’s only sibling, Justin, was overjoyed to have a sister to complete their family. While her dad was serving in the U.S. Army, it afforded Jessica the opportunity to have exciting travel and fun experiences. Jessica lived in North Carolina, Alaska, Maryland, and Virginia. From those experiences, she developed a desire to travel abroad and an interest in other cultures. While living in Maryland, when she was 6 years old, her mother passed away from cancer. Shortly afterward, Jessica, her brother, and dad relocated to Portsmouth to be close to family. It was then that she became the bonus daughter to her Aunt Brenda and Uncle Otis and the best friend and sister to Lauren. She transitioned into a household filled with love and support but in a household where she introduced them to a whole new world about her likes, dislikes, and being unapologetically herself. Jessica taught us how to manage life from that time until the very end of her life. She taught the whole family not to sweat the small stuff, not to complain, how to accept the things we can't change, and to be comfortable with being ourselves. We learned how to appreciate gaming, anime, wrestling, horror movies, a love for animals, and how to be thrifty shoppers. Jessica graduated from Western Branch High School. She participated in the Marching Band and traveled with them to Disney World to march in a parade. She was a member of the Sign Language Club, Art Club, Chinese Club, and she played the Violin. After Western Branch, she graduated from Tidewater Community College, where she earned an Associate's Degree in General Studies. After Tidewater Community College, she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor's Degree in Film Studies. Jessica is scheduled to receive an Associate's Degree in Digital Design from Tidewater Community College on December 18, 2023. Her aunt and cousin will proudly participate in the commencement to receive it for her. Jessica was the kindest most courageous person we have ever known; always the same, calm. She was an amazing artist with a creative mind. She spent hours creating sketches and making arts and crafts. She was a member of Grove Church, Grove Media Team, and (HRBMP) Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals. She designed the logo for the Byron Burney’s Community Journalism Academy, which is under the HRBMP organization. She was blessed to have that opportunity, and she took her assignment seriously. It was the introduction into the world that she wanted to be a part of. She leaves to mourn her Father, Gregory Copeland; her brother, Justin Copeland; Paternal Aunt Anne Wilson (Junius); Maternal Aunt, Brenda Cannon; her cousin, Lauren Cannon (Kelly); her beloved fur baby Bayla; Great Aunt and God Mother, Bea Stevenson (Crawford); friends, family,and church members. HER FINAL SPOKEN WORDS: "I need to see happy faces; this is a part of life with or without cancer.” HER PARTING GIFT: "Eye Tissue to the Eye Bank of Hampton Roads for Research." In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in memory of Jessica Copeland to the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, Inc. Donations will support the organization’s Byron Burney Community Journalism Academy (BBCJA), which Jessica attended and supported by designing its logo. The BBCJA engages the community through teaching, mentoring, and offering hands-on journalism experiences. Donations may be sent via Cash App to $HRBMP or mailed to P.O. Box 2622, Norfolk, VA 23501.

Jessica Patrice Copeland

April 30, 1987 - October 29, 2023