Obituary of Eleanor Copeland

Eleanor “Ellie” Copeland, 84, of Ocala, died Tuesday, January 18, 2022. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Havard “Cope” Copeland; son, Dr. Edward Copeland and his wife Debbie of Lexington Park, MD; grand-daughter, Maribeth Cohey, and her husband Allen of Havre De Grace, MD; great grand-daughter Skyler Cohey and great grand-son Henry Cohey; grand-son, Dr. Matthew Copeland, and his wife Katie of Rockville, MD; and grand-daughter, Kimberly Johnston, and her husband Ryan of West Grove, PA.

She is also survived by her brothers Billy Graham of West Lake Village, CA, Walter Graham of Anaheim, CA, Jimmy Graham of Poconos, PA; and sister Rosie Bencivenga of Hemet, CA. She is preceded in death by her mother Mabel Graham and father James Graham, brothers Allen Graham and Arthur Buck, and sister Theresa Nelson.

Ellie was born in Wilmington, DE in 1937, was raised in suburban Philadelphia, PA and Blackwood, NJ, and after marrying “Cope” moved to Newark, DE, in 1959. Ellie and her husband moved to Oak Run in Ocala, FL in 1993.

She enjoyed a very tight and loving partnership with her husband as well as a deep love for their only child “Eddie”. She loved to cook, garden, partake in activities within Oak Run, travel and take cruises, as well as engage with her loving family and friends. She had a special place in her heart for her son’s wife Debbie, grandchildren, and of course the great grandchildren. Although Ellie battled health challenges most of her life, she always made the best of tough times through a very tight bond and loving friendship with “Cope”. Ellie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will always be loved, in our thoughts and prayers, and will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 7 at 9:00 a.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services Timber Ridge Chapel, with inurnment to follow at Florida National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice “Estelle’s House” of Marion County, FL at www.hospiceofmarion.com/donate/

Online condolences are welcome and may be sent to www.hiers-baxley.com.