Velma E. Copeland

Velma Copeland of O’Fallon, Missouri passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.  Loving wife of the late Robert D. Copeland, Sr.; beloved daughter of the late John and Mae Puckett; devoted mother of Dale Copeland, Ronald (Karrie) Copeland, Ryan (Carl) Strauser, and Shanna Copeland (former daughter-in-law); cherished grandmother of Tracy (Bobby) Spence, Tammy (Mike) Watson, Brandon (Susan) Copeland, Rebecca (Ed Wilson) Copeland, Nicole (Nicholas) Rohr, Isaiah Strauser, and Andrew Strauser; treasured great-grandmother of  Allison (Brett Stewart) Spence, William Spence, Makayla Copeland, Makinzie Copeland, Issac Rohr, Karie Wilson, Emmersyn Copeland, Coby Watson, Reid Copeland, Lucas Copeland, Arianna Willenberg, Easton Copeland, Lillian Watson, Zander Copeland, Wesley Copeland, J.J. Strauser, Willow Wilson, and Gracelynn Rohr; dear great-great-grandother, Greyson Stewart; and dearest sister of  Anna Mae (the late Pat) Shomo.  Velma was also preceded in death by her grandson, R.D. Copeland, and her siblings, Edgar, Lloyd, Norman, Harry, Dorothy, and Iona.

Velma formerly owned O’Fallon Pet Shop and loved taking care of animals.  She especially enjoyed sitting outside spending time birdwatching.  She was a talented sewer, as well, and  created many outfits for herself and family.  There were many hobbies Velma was passionate about – reading western romances, fishing at the Mississippi River, and trying her luck at the casino.  She was excellent at baking and enjoyed preparing pies or her bread pudding for friends and family.  The St. Louis Cardinals had her lifelong support and Velma never failed to root for them when she watched their games on television.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Velma’s name to the National Down Syndrome Society.