Ms. Alma J. Copeland

Reflections of a Life Well-Lived

Alma Jean Copeland, a beacon of resilience, passion, and intelligence, was born on September 12, 1946, in Brentwood, MO, and ascended to the heavens on August 21, 2023, in St. Ann, MO. Alma's journey on this earth was marked by her generous spirit and passion for life, leaving a lasting impression on all who were blessed to know her.

Born to Charles Lee and Josephine (Island) Watson, Alma was the youngest of four children born to their union.  Both parents and her siblings - Dennis, Maude, and Mary Jo Watson all preceded her in death. 

Among a large family, Alma’s other siblings – Leanna (Watson) Williams, George H. Watson, Sr., James Watson, Lugene Watson, Sr., Hattie (Watson) Ballard, Robert Watson, Bessie (Watson) Cannon, and Ruby (Watson) Hinton - also preceded her in death.

Alma's thirst for knowledge led her to the Brentwood School System, where she graduated high school in 1964. Her academic journey didn't end there, as she continued to further her education at Forest Park Community College and Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Her intelligence and dedication were not confined to the realm of academia. She served with distinction at the Veteran’s Hospital for many years, retiring in 2020 after a fulfilling career.

On September 16, 1978, Alma embraced a new chapter in her life when she married Ronald Everett Copeland. Together, they journeyed to Detroit, Michigan. After her marriage to Ronald, Alma returned to St. Louis. In 1981, she and her mother moved to Altadena, California where they resided until May 1994 before finally returning to St. Louis.

Throughout these experiences, Alma's faith remained her guiding light. She revered the Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, finding solace and strength in her faith.

Alma was a woman of many passions. She found peace in the quiet solitude of painting and gardening, and she reveled in the nostalgic charm of old movies and the soulful rhythm of jazz and blues music. Her love extended beyond her family and friends to her two beloved dogs, Queenie and Lokey, whom she cherished dearly. Alma's presence at family functions was a source of joy, her laughter and love radiating throughout the room.

On August 21, 2023, after a brief illness, Alma took her final breath, leaving this world to join her parents and siblings. Although her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of those she left behind.

Alma's legacy is carried on by her immediate nieces and nephews - Pamela Tanner, Voncile Watson-Smith, Dennis Watson, Jr., Anthony Watson, Carmen Leach, Norman Reed, Meri Hallum, Tiffanie Wilson, Chrystal Follin, Frank Christopher Noble, DeVona Noble, and David Noble - as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Each of them holds a piece of Alma's spirit, a testament to her boundless love and generosity.

In the words of a motivational speaker, "Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations." Alma Jean Copeland traveled her journey with passion, intelligence, and an unwavering love for her family, friends, and faith. Her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

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