Patricia S. Copeland

Patricia Sammons Copeland passed from this life on the 23rd of March 2013, leaving behind a wonderful legacy of faith, selflessness, love and dedication to family that touched and influenced the lives of many.

She was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on the 20th of July 1929, to August Belmont and Pelham Sammons, and descended from early day pioneers who moved to Tarrant County in the mid to late 1800s. She grew up in Fort Worth and attended Paschal High School. Following graduation, she attended the University of Texas, and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. While there, she met her husband of 62 years, Morgan L. Copeland. They married on the 7th of July 1951, and moved to his hometown of Brownfield, Texas. She taught elementary school for two years before starting a family.

Both of her children, Morgan L. Copeland, Jr. and Martha Ellen Copeland, were born during their time in Brownfield. In 1963, she and the family moved to Midland. During her time there, she was the President of the Children’s Service League and the Midland Lawyer’s Wife Association. She also taught Sunday school at the First Baptist Church. Patricia spent innumerable hours supporting and attending her children’s many activities including sports, Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, and too many others to mention. She was an exemplary loving mother and wife who gave herself completely and in a sacrificial way to her family. Her wholehearted support and fierce loyalty to her children and husband were always evident. In 1971, the family moved to Houston. Following the children’s graduation from high school, she and Morgan returned to Midland for a several year stint, and then returned to Houston for good.

With the kids out of the house, she began her long and happy association with The Blue Bird Circle. She truly cared and was passionate about the causes supported by this wonderful organization. She worked at a myriad of jobs and in many capacities, including serving as President of The Blue Bird Circle and on its advisory board for many years. Pat, as she was known to her many friends, was a person of high intellect, a great organizer and motivator, who led by word and example. She was instrumental in the move of The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology to Texas Children’s Hospital, which has been a very successful association. Additionally, she was the President of the Tanglewood Garden Club. She was a longtime member of the St. Luke’s Methodist Church, and her life was defined by her faith and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.

She will be welcomed into Heaven by her mother; father; sister, Frances Brockett; and her brother-in-law, Delwin Brockett. She is survived by her husband, Morgan L. Copeland; her children, Marcie E. Hortenstine and husband, James, and Morgan L. Copeland, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth; and grandchildren, Grant Hortenstine, Read Hortenstine, Nell Copeland, Kate Copeland and Carson Copeland.

A memorial service, in celebration of her life, is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 6th of April, in the chapel at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Rev. Bill Denham, Pastor of caring ministries, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Hines Baker Room.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to The Blue Bird Circle, Attn: Treasurer, 615 West Alabama St., Houston, TX, 77006.