People come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. Such was the case for this little bright-eyed youngster, Marcell Denise Copeland, daughter of Lloyd Copeland and Edith Murray Copeland, who was born on December 27, 1960. From the outset, she had her unique manner of revealing her loving, caring personality to her siblings and to her circle of friends in Greenville, Florida. She remained a lifelong resident of this close-knit community. 

 

Having accepted Christ as her Savior during the early years of her life, she emulated His passion as a servant leader. She was passionate about caregiving /helping those who could not do for themselves or stepping in to assist when her clients’ families were unable or unwilling to do so. She possessed her sweet, sweet spirit and her welcoming smile in her ministry of presence for the total worship experience. She was involved as a choir member, deaconess, and member of the culinary staff at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Greenville. She especially loved working with children. 

 

Marcell was one who was busy; but she also knew how to relax with a good book and how to stay connected with her family, especially her sisters. 

 

In His own way and for His purpose on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Almighty God saw fit to dispatch an angel from Heaven in a blink of an eye to bring His precious jewel, Deaconess Marcell Denise Copeland Jones to live with Him throughout Eternity. 

 

The everlasting memories that bind Deaconess Marcell Denise Copeland Jones and other loved ones together as family are those shared by her daughters: Tamika Jones of Greenville, FL, Levecia Jones of Jacksonville, FL, LaKeitra Walker, Stephanie Walker, and Alexis Walker, all of Monticello, FL,; sons: Andreau Jones of Greenville, FL, Eddie Walker, Jr. and Omar Walker of Monticello, FL, nephew raised as a son, James Javon (Kim) Johnson, brothers: Garriett (Denise) Copeland, Courtney Copeland of Greenville, FL, Lloyd Copeland, Jr. and Gary T. (Anita) Williams, all of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sisters: Valeria (James) Owens of Orlanda, FL, Lori Copeland (Derrick) Ferguson; uncles and aunts: Elder Kenneth (Geraldine) Taylor, Anthony (Brenda) Taylor, Larry (Virginia) Copeland, Eula Copeland, and Lucy Murray; Special grandson: Jabryan Butler of Miami, FL; sisters-in-love: Patricia Hall of Tallahassee, FL and Emily Dickey of Greenville, FL; brothers-in-love: Larcedious (Phyllis) Jones, Joseph (Virginia) Jones, and Marcus (Paris) Jones, all of Greenville, FL; special friends: Bernice Cain, Barbara Dansey, Cynthia (Maurice) James, all of Greenville, FL and Teresa Ervine-Spring of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 13 loving grandchildren; in addition to her New Zion Church family and the membership of Pallbearers Lodge #48. 

 

Deaconess Marcell Denise Copeland Jones is gone from her loved ones’ sight but never from their hearts. Those who have preceded her in death were her parents: Lloyd Copeland, Sr. and Edith Murray Copeland; husband (whom she married on Oct. 14, 1973): Lemonica Jones; sisters: Cythia Elaine Johnson, Cheryl Brown-Clemons, Korneta Copeland, and Veronica Williams; along with her brothers: Willis B. Brown and Tommy Williams.