A Life of Love, Kindness, and Devotion

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cathy Copeland, 71, who peacefully left us on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after a courageous seven-day battle with a relentless infection that led to heart failure. Though her time with us has ended, the warmth of her spirit and the depth of her love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Cathy was, without question, one of the kindest souls to grace this world. Her gentle nature and boundless compassion touched everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. She possessed a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved, extending her natural warmth to family, friends, and strangers alike.

For 46 beautiful years, Cathy shared her life with her husband, who was not only her partner but her dearest friend and constant companion. Together, they created a life built on friendship, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. In their earlier years, they found joy exploring nature's trails together, hiking through scenic landscapes. More recently, they discovered new happiness spending time on their daughter's farm, where Cathy's playful spirit could flourish, especially when enjoying the pool on her favorite float.

As a mother, Cathy was utterly devoted to her daughter, and her role as grandmother brought her immeasurable joy. She delighted in every moment spent with her granddaughters, whether they were discovering treasures at craft shows, hunting for antiques, or simply curled up together watching beloved Hallmark movies.

Throughout her life, Cathy exemplified what it meant to be dependable and hardworking. She had an unwavering commitment to showing up for the people she loved, no matter the circumstances. Her family and friends knew they could count on her completely, and she never failed to offer her support, her presence, or her unconditional love when it was needed most.

Cathy's legacy is one of pure love and joy. She had the remarkable ability to fill rooms with laughter and hearts with warmth. Her absence leaves a profound emptiness in the lives of those who loved her most, but her memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and moments of joy for years to come.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her husband, her cherished daughter, her beloved granddaughters, and all the family and friends whose lives she touched with her extraordinary kindness and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Cathy's memory by extending kindness to others, just as she did every day of her beautiful life.

Cathy is survived by her husband, David M. Copeland; daughter, Holly J. Copeland; granddaughters, Lyric S. Copeland-Lasley and Kaiya L. Lasley; brothers, Steve West and James West; sisters-in-law, Margi West and Chris West; aunts, Linda Cully and Peggy Reiman; and uncle, Bob Reiman.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2025, from 2 P.M.–3 P.M. at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, followed by a graveside funeral service at Jacksonville Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements.