Mother Catherine Copeland's Obituary
On February 17, 2023, Mother Catherine Copeland was called home to be with the Lord for her eternal rest as her work on this earth was complete. Jackson, Michigan has lost one of its most committed and respected community trailblazers and pioneers for the dedicated labor of love that she has shown for her family, her church, and the community at large.
Catherine Copeland was born on September 22, 1929, in Albion, MI. to Herbert Reddick, Sr and Carrie Lee Reddick (Union) during the Great Depression. Though times were tough in those early years, her parents instilled in their children to love God, love and care for family, and commitment to hard work and achievement in all their endeavors. She attended Austin Elementary, Westward Middle, and Washington Garden High School, in Albion, MI.
Catherine was first married to Ulysses Curtis and then later married to Charles Copeland. During this period, she gave birth to 7 children, which included Linda Copeland (who died during infancy). Her 6 surviving children are: Rosie Chatman, Elaine McRae, Mohammad Abdul-Hakeem, Diane McMiller, Eric Copeland, and Derrick Copeland, Sr. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and more than 20 great grandchildren. She also has a close cousin, Ms. Shirley Brown of Jackson, MI.
Catherine was preceded in death by her 2 sisters and 5 brothers: (Sisters) - Myrtle Lee Reddick (Rogers) and Eloise Reddick. (Brothers) – Herbert Reddick, Jr., Willie D. Reddick, Lawrence Reddick, David Lee Reddick, and Abraham (Avon) Reddick.
For all who knew Catherine Copeland (affectionately known as “Rena” by those close to her) she was a woman of deep conviction, motivation, and inspiration. Not only did she take an interest and pride in the development and advancement of her own children, but she became a surrogate mom to many young men and women in the community over the years. This extended to a life of dedicated service that she provided the Southside neighborhood and the City of Jackson as a whole.
She made a commitment to herself that her children would be raised to be God-centered and self-supporting, and they would set their goals high and never give up. She would also stress that no matter where you go in life, always keep God in the #1 position. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren attribute their success to her guiding light and constant encouragement.
Starting in the late 1960s she’s been serving her community in which she’s lived and loved so much. For over 6 decades she has lived a life of service to others, being a spokesperson and advocate for people looking for help. Over the years she has worked and volunteered in a variety of roles:
• Drug-Free Clinic (on Francis Street) helping recovering substance abuse addicts in the 1970s
• Housing Manager for Interfaith Housing (later, King Community Homes) helping low-income families secure safe, clean, affordable housing
• Coordinator for the Jackson Summer Youth Work program
• Community Advisory Council Member at Jackson High School, the Jackson Police Department, and the City of Jackson (where she helped secure block grants for local community agencies)
• Committee member for Habitat for Humanity and World Changers (a youth group that helps low-income homeowners with roofing and painting repairs)
• Southside Neighborhood Resource Center (helping seniors and low-income residents qualify for food distribution and referred them to the proper agencies for help)
Her selfless work and volunteer efforts had garnered the attention of former City of Jackson mayors and she received a key to the city. In the mid-2000s, she received a Certificate of Distinction Award from then Governor, Jennifer Granholm, for her years of meaningful and accomplished volunteer work in Jackson’s Southside community.
In addition to years of serving the community in a variety of roles and responsibilities, she’s made an even greater impact on people on an individual level. She was a dedicated member of Bethesda Church of God in Christ and then later at Oasis of Love Full Gospel Church. Mother Copeland, who forever saw the good in people, has consistently encouraged others that they can be and do anything they put their minds to and reach their God-given potential. Mother Copeland has finished her course and now she is wearing her crown.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).
What’s your fondest memory of Catherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Catherine?
Share a story where Catherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Catherine you’ll never forget.
How did Catherine make you smile?
