Tellis Copeland

Obituary

Mr. Tellis Copeland was born December 31, 1931, in Thomasville, Georgia, to the late Albert Copeland, Sr., and Emma Williams Copeland. Tellis was one of eight children born to this union of five boys and three girls. He was educated in Grady and Thomas County schools. Tellis married Heleen at an early age in New Jersey and to that union had two daughters, Evelyn Copeland and Doris Copeland.

He later moved to Miami and worked as an auto mechanic owning his own shops, working at dealerships, and serving the community for over 50 years. His specialty with fixing cars was sought out by many in the area when you wanted the job done right which made him a city favorite for car repairs.

During this time in Miami, he met Helen McElveen and married her. To that union, they had five kids, four boys and one girl, whom he raised after Helen passed away early in her life. They remained in Miami and he became the neighborhood dad by cooking BBQ and making his famous burmeling stew that everyone loved to eat. He later joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist where he became a Deacon and served in various roles around the church.

Tellis enjoyed riding his motorcycles, fishing, crafting, and most of all, loving his family and making people laugh. He loved being outdoors on the BBQ grill. He will always be remembered for being a hard worker, mentor, best father, brother, friend whom God has given us, and willing to help anyone. He always believed in family first and the need to stay together. He moved to Lynchburg, South Carolina, with some of his kids and stayed for years. He later returned home to Thomasville, Georgia, helping his late brother who became ill. He attended CornerStone
Church of Christ which he enjoyed attending and being around good people and making them smile. His knowledge, wisdom, trials, and tribulations which came with 91 years of life were a blessing for others so that they could talk to him for guidance.

He received his final call to take his rest on March 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Copeland; brothers, Robert, Elmer, Melvin, and Albert Copeland, Jr.; daughter, Doris Copeland; and special nephew, Jackie Burgess.

Tellis leaves to cherish the memories of his life: Evelyn Staples, Tellis Copeland, Jr. (Martiza), Jeffery Copeland (Ronnie), Pokey Copeland (Lois), Tracey Copeland, and Lorenzo Copeland (Netta); three sisters, Melanee Hill, Emma Grace, and Pearlean Sinclair; sisters-in-law, Sharon Hall and Mary Burgess; brothers-in-law, Charlie and Donald Burgess; grandchildren, Kelly, David, Kim, Helen, Tenice, Pharrius, Latevia, Lenice, Candance, Quanisha, Tatiana, Sherman, Jada, Jaden, DeMarcus, Tyquan, Louie, Corvaya, Tony, Dominique, and Orson; he touched the hearts of some special nieces and nephews, Larry, Lutherrine, Tangie, Khyri, Andre, Kim, Charvy, Johnnie, Dwight, Justin, and Tristin; with over 25 great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and
other family and friends. He will indeed be missed by his godsons, Doug, Ron, Donnie, Chuck, Kenny, Budda, and Eric.

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