Mrs. Delores Edwards Copeland

January 18, 1934 - August 15, 2014

Early Life… Delores E. Copeland was born on January 18, 1934 in Alexandria, VA, to the late Arthur and Alberta Kyer Edwards. She was the ninth of thirteen children and was always a kind and hardworking child who loved to help others. She loved her family especially her brothers and sisters. She would often talk about how kind her older sisters were to her, especially her sisters Lillian and Vivian and how she would “beat up” her younger brothers whenever they wrestled. She attended Alexandria City public schools and graduated from Parker-Gray High School in 1952. At an early age Delores accepted Christ as her Savior and joined Third Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. Samuel B. Ross and became an active member. Delores initially thought she wanted to become a nurse, so her first job was at the Alexandria Hospital as a Nurse Aid. This job helped to pay for her undergraduate education. She eventually decided to major in Elementary Education. Delores attended historically black Storer College in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia until they closed in 1955 during her junior year. She then transferred to Virginia Union University (VUU), where Storer’s endowment funds had also been transferred. She always shared how she felt so discouraged because some of her credits did not transfer to VUU and she would have to graduate a year later. However, that did not stop her from earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in June 1957. While attending Virginia Union University she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Eta Chapter. During her college days she served as President of her class and became a member of the choir and the organization Future Teachers of America. Delores began working for the Alexandria City Public schools on April 1, 1958. She taught first and second grade at Charles Houston, Robert E. Lee, William Ramsey and then James K. Polk elementary schools. She was originally moved to William Ramsey to integrate the school for the 1972-73 school year. During her time as a teacher, she touched the lives of numerous children living in the City of Alexandria. Former students would often approach her who were very excited to see her and shared fond memories of her kindness. She retired on July 1, 1995. Delores was active in the Zeta Chi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for over 50 years. She enjoyed being a Golden Soror. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as a Worthy Matron of Esther Chapter #23. Mid Life… On June 18, 1966, Delores married Martin Copeland and from this union one child was born Tanya Renee. At the time teachers were not allowed to teach while pregnant and Delores was required to stay on extended maternity leave. This provided precious quality time she fondly reflected on. She was a devoted mother and took Tanya to church, had her involved in Jack & Jill, Inc., and supported Tanya’s activities inside and outside of school. Later in Life… After she retired she became even more active. She sang in the Senior Choir, served on the Altar Guild and was present in service and supported the overall activities of the church. She was a devoted grandmother and supported the activities and well-being of her grandchildren. She also took aerobics and loved to shop. Friends and family would often run into her at Landmark, Tysons Corner and Fair Oaks Malls! A New Life… On Friday August 15, 2014 ,Delores awakened to eternal life. Delores’ cherished memory is mourned by her loving daughter, Dr. Tanya C. Ingram, and a faithful son-in-law, Rev. Barry O. Ingram, Sr.; 3 brothers: Maurice R. Edwards, Joseph C. Edwards and Richard Edwards; one sister-in-law, Beatrice Edwards; 3 adoring grandchildren: Nia Alana, Chloe Renee and Barry Jr. and a host of relatives, family and friends.