Betty Sue Duren Copeland

12,2020.

She was a native of Holt, Alabama born January 19, 1925 and was one of 10 children, seven

daughters and three sons, born to Amour Preston Duren and Esther Lee Freeman Duren.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Betty passed away with peace

and dignity surrounded by loved ones.

She always looked for the good in everyone and made the best of each day, spreading love

and kindness wherever she went. She was strong and courageous and found blessings in all

of life, even the tiniest things She made a special effort to encourge and help everyone. In her

eyes hope was eternal and everyone was important.

She was a graduate of Holt High School, class of 1943. Shortly after graduation she

accepted a job with the U.S. Government and traveled to Washington D.C. Where she

worked as a "Government Girl" (WW 2) in the Bureau of Navy Personnel until March 1946.

Upon returning to Tuscaloosa she enrolled at the University of Alabama where she and Billy

B. Copeland met for the first time on campus. They were married August 19, 1947

and celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in 2019.

Betty and Bill have lived in the Birmingham area since since 1949. During this time she

continued her undergraduate studies at UAB while also rearing her family. She is survived by

her husband and; Billy B. (Rusty) Copeland, Jr. (Janne); Patti Copeland; grand children

Thomas Rabne; Matthew Copeland; Quinn Copeland Fordham (Marc); and Bradley (Sarah

Bidgood) Copeland; great grand children Mac Fordham; Copeland Fordham; Edith Anne

Fordham; sisters Mary Ruth Duren Todd and Muriel Jean Duren Palmquist and many

beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Timothy Copeland.

Betty was a deeply committed member of the United Methodist Church. She served in

leadership positions in United Methodist Women's organizations in her local church, at the

District level and the North Alabama Conference and on many other committees

and agencies. She was a founding member of the interdenominatial Greater Birmingham

Ministries and was elected as the first Confrence Chairiperson of The Status and Role of

Women for North Alabama.

She loved nature and worshipped GOD's entire creation. She loved people unconditionally

and never spoke ill of anyone. Betty passionately advocated for issues involving children, the

elderly and those with special needs and was especialy attentive to them. She claimed

marriage, motherhood and child rearing as her highest achievem.ents.

After retirement she and Bill traveled extensively, visiting the fifty States, all of North America,

Western Europe, Greece, Turkey, China and the United Kingdom.

Paul wrote in Galatians "so let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at

harvest time if we do not give up". She never did.

A visitation will be held July 15, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Funeral

Parlor on University Boulevard in Birmingham. Please wear a mask and practice social

distancing when coming to pay respects. Due to COVID restrictions, a private service to

cerebrate Betty's life will be held at Avondale United Methodist Church with burial to follow

at Highland Memorial Gardens in Bessemer.

The family wishes memorial gifts be made to Avondale United Methodist Church or

Greater Bimingham Ministries in care of:

Avondale United Methodist Church

500 40th St S

Birmingham, AL 35222

Rev Malinda Jowers Weaver

Pastor, Avondale united Church

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