Joseph Robert Copeland was born on July 26, 1913 in Belfield, Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies. He was the sixth child for Charles Copeland and Rosine Schaffe. As a child, Joe, as he was affectionately called, was educated at Belfield All Age School. After leaving school he went on to learn tailoring.
Uncle Joe joined the Manpower Farm Work Program in 1943 where he worked in several states including upstate New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 1954, he resided in the United States. He met and married Annie Mae Worthy. They both lived and worked tirelessly in Springfield, Mass. until her death on September 27, 1994.
Uncle Joe worked at a Foam Mill making fabric and then went on to work at Chapman Valve /Crane Co making valves until he retired in 1975. After retiring, he did some classes in Spanish and Computer Technology.
Uncle Joe enjoyed reading, singing and card games. He had a love for driving fancy cars and ceased driving at the age of 99 years. Most of all he had a passion for gardening flowers and vegetables. He took pride in distributing vegetables to family and friends over the years and never accepted payments from the crop he cultivated.
Uncle Joe endured and battled through numerous life threatening challenges with stalwart grace. He consistently demonstrated a warrior spirit as stated in Deut. Chap 30 vs 19 , he chose life. He was disciplined, kind, wise and strong-will. He was a devoted Bible Student with the Layman Home Missionary Movement where he was called to be a Deacon.
As it pleased the Lord, Uncle Joe lived an exemplary life to age of 106 years and transition to higher service on April 18, 2020.
His siblings who proceeded him in death are Stanley, John, Agnes, David, Charles and George.
Uncle Joe's cherished spirit and captivating smile will forever be present in the hearts of Vonia Lyles and Detra Lyles and nieces, Eileen, Marcia, Rose, Pauline and Beverley, nephews, Glenmore, David and Charles. Grand-nephews Neville and Junior Copeland,host of grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them" Rev. 14 vs 13.
Private service will be held at the convenience of the family. A memorial will be announced at a later time. Henderson
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