Bessie Ricks Copeland

Bessie R. Copeland

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CHESAPEAKE -- Bessie Ricks Copeland, 80, of Spring Meadow Crescent, died Feb. 19, 2002, at her home.

Born in Brunswick County, Va., she was retired from Central Fidelity Bank (now Wachovia).She was an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for more than 50 years where she had served as deaconess and as president of Choir One.

The widow of Linwood L. Copeland Sr. and Julius Ricks, she is survived by daughters, the Rev. Phyllis Leathers and husband, the Rev. Marvin Leathers of Portsmouth, Faith Ricks of Chesapeake, Pearl Edwards and husband Aaron Edwards of Saint Albans, N.Y., Paulette Picott and husband Willis Picott of Chesapeake; sons, Julius N. Ricks and wife Luvenia Ricks of San Antonio, Texas, Linwood L. Copeland Jr. and wife Dorothy Copeland of Chesapeake, Melvin Copeland and wife Audrey Copeland of Chesapeake; a sister, Sallie A. Lowe of Portsmouth; 17 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. James Wynn.Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Portsmouth.Viewing at Corprew Funeral Home will begin at 2 p.m. today.The body will be taken to the church at 10 a.m. Monday.