Irene M. Copeland

Mrs. Irene M. Copeland, age 99 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011, at St. Mary's Health Center. She was born on September 18, 1912, in Callaway County, Mo., a daughter of William F. "Fritz" and Rose B. Gilmore Schanuth. She was married on August 11, 1931, in Jefferson City to Lloyd R. Copeland, who preceded her in death on October 19, 1979. A homemaker, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is one of the oldest American Gold Star Mothers with the loss of her son, James Howard Copeland, during the Korean Conflict. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, Mo. Survivors include: one daughter, Joan D. Graham and her husband Mitchell of Jefferson City, Mo.; four sons, Lloyd R. Copeland Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jack M. Copeland and his wife Pat of Jefferson City, Mo., Floyd W. Copeland and his wife Shirley of Jefferson City, Mo. and Jerry R. Copeland of Centertown, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; one son, James H. Copeland; one daughter, Ruth M. Wright; three brothers, Virgil F. Schanuth, William F. Schanuth, and Mack W. Schanuth; and six sisters, Virgie B. Schaffer, Eva A. Asbury, Arcella E. Mickelis, Viola K. Moreau, Lillian D. Johnson, and A. Ruth Gordon. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2011. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Jeffrey A. Schanbacher officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com