John Ervin Copeland

John Ervin Copeland, 94, of 142 Sign Pine Road, Tyner, NC, died Wednesday, December 10, 2014 in Winslow Memorial Home, Elizabeth City. Mr. Copeland was born in Chowan County on February 8, 1920, and was the son of the late William Elisha and Ella Isabella Chappell Copeland. A road foreman with the NC Department of Transportation, he retired in July of 1982 after more than 40 years of employment, and then was able to devote more time to farming and "huckstering" produce, a part-time job he did for over 60 years. A former member of the Ryland Ruritan Club, he attended Happy Home Pentecostal Holiness Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Josephine Ward Copeland, and by his brother, James William Copeland. Surviving are her three daughters, Sandra C. Gregory and husband Daniel of Hertford, Jo Ella C. Chappell and husband Ray of Chesapeake, VA, and Ervina C. Bunch and husband Eddie of Gatesville; seven grandchildren, Danelle Ivey and husband Wade, Dan Gregory and wife Dawn, Tiffany Chappell, Stephanie Balsamo and husband Joey, and Courtney, Meredith, and Hillary Bunch; six great-grandchildren, Al and Samantha Ivey; Maitlyn, Madisyn, and Eli Gregory; and Hope Balsamo; and his faithful friends and neighbors, Durwood and Rhonda Copeland. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Happy Home Pentecostal Holiness Church by the Rev. Gene Asbill. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and other times at the residence. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.