J. Sidney Copeland

   Joseph Sidney Copeland, 90, of 310 Holiday Island Road, Hertford, NC passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, in his home where he was surrounded by his family.

   Mr. Copeland was born in Perquimans County on May 29, 1927, and was the son of the late Arthur Minnis, Sr. and Annie Boyce Copeland.  Retired from Hollowell Oil Company after 32 years of employment, he was a faithful member of Burgess Baptist Church where he had served as Sunday School Director for 32 years, had been chairman of the Board of Deacons, and been honored by being named "Deacon Emeritus".  Other enjoyments included his membership and offices held with Lodge #463 of Woodmen of the World, and serving others by delivering Meals on Wheels for 12 years.  A veteran of World War II, he served in the Merchant Marines from 1945-49.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Audrey Ayscue Morton; brothers, Minnis Copeland, Jr. and Hugh Copeland; and by a grandson, Justin Edgar Chappell.

   Surviving are his wife of nearly 68 years, Myrtle Whedbee Copeland; three daughters, Cheryl Copeland Poyner and husband Danny of Garner, Terry Copeland Chappell and husband Earl of Hertford, and Waverly Copeland Bell and husband Bill of Angel Fire, NM; a sister, Dellie Rae Bass of Edenton; six grandchildren, Danny Poyner, Jr. and wife Jill, Erin Jacopec and husband George, Rebecca Squires and husband Rob, Quinton Chappell and wife Jamie, Joshua Bell and wife Tia, and Christa Bell; and three great-grandchildren, Samuel Joseph Poyner, Vincent Poyner, and Liam Jacopec.

   Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Chapel, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, and will be conducted by Pastor Bill Thorn and the Rev. Joe Griffith.  A private burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.  Friends may join the family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home and other times at the residence.