Alma M. Copeland

Mrs. Alma M. Copeland, age 91 years, a former Jefferson City resident, died Thursday, May 23, 2013, at The Baptist Home in Ozark, Mo. Alma was born December 18, 1921, in Oolitic, Ind., the daughter of Frank and Ethel Patton Miller. She was married on June 6, 1943, in Oolitic, Ind., to Harry Copeland, who preceded her in death on October 20, 1980. A resident of the Jefferson City area since 1953, Alma graduated from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Alma was employed with the Missouri Baptist Convention from 1953 until her retirement in 1980. She was an approved conference leader throughout the state with emphasis on preparing church leaders to train children ages nine through twelve years. In addition to her love for children, Alma was an avid fan of the Missouri Tiger basketball team. She made certain that her schedule allowed her to watch all televised games. She was a lifelong member of Memorial Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Church Training, and was the Church Librarian for 25 years. Survivors include: one niece, Jane Lehman of Indiana; one nephew, Dennis Miller of Indiana; and a dear friend, Susan Nelson of Jefferson City. As a result of being the class grandmother in Mrs. Nelson's classroom for many years, she is survived by hundreds of students who called her "Grandma Alma". She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, Robert M. Miller. Visitation will be at Memorial Baptist Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at the Memorial Baptist Church with the Reverend Mark Towns and the Reverend Gerald Jeffries officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Memorial Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com