Jacqueline Copeland

Jacqueline (Jackie) Copeland passed away on September 8, 2011, in Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 72. Funeral services will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2011. Rev. Steve Badskey will officiate at the ceremony. There will be NO visitation. Jackie was born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 22, 1939, to the late Charles S. Turner, Sr. and Julia Northrop Turner. Jackie has two older brothers, Charles S. Turner, Jr. (JoAnn) and the late James Turner (Nancy). Jackie married William (Bill) Copeland in Birmingham, Alabama on April 20, 1962; and has two daughters, Denise Copeland (John) and Dawn Copeland (Tammy). Bill’s career with the United States Secret Service led Jackie to live in numerous locations throughout her life; including Atlanta, Georgia; Fairfax, Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Wichita, Kansas and Montgomery, Alabama;

Jackie’s path in life was determined at an early age by her extraordinary musical talents. Gifted by God with a beautiful voice, Jackie began singing at a young age. Her musical ability was not limited to song as she was a piano prodigy as well. Jackie graduated from Hueytown High School in 1956, received a Bachelor of Music Education from Birmingham Southern College and a Master in Music Education from Wichita State University in 1977. Jackie taught music for over 20 years in multiple public schools and also worked as an organist, pianist and/or choir director for many churches. In her later years, Jackie shared her love of music by working as a private instructor of voice and piano. She received numerous accolades throughout her life for her musical accomplishments as well as for her life of service. She pledged Alpha Chi Omega where she served as president of her chapter; as well as president of Panhellenic. Her association with Alpha Chi Omega continued throughout her life as she participated in Alumnae chapters around the country and received a 50 year membership award in 2006. Jackie was also actively involved in the Camp Fire Girls; acting as a group leader for many years.