Mary Copeland

Mary Elizabeth Askins-Copeland was born on Saturday, April 29, 1916, in Bridgeville, Delaware, the youngest of two (2) children born to the late Helen Askins and Albert Parker. She passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2013, at the age of 97 at the Seaford Genesis Center, Seaford, Delaware, where she has been a resident for the past five (5) years. Mary attended Phyllis Wheatley School in Bridgeville, Delaware; Frederick Douglas School in Seaford, Delaware; and Howard High School in Wilmington, Delaware. Mary retired from H.P. Cannon in Bridgeville after 29 years of service. She also worked at Dulaney’s in Bridgeville, and as a hairdresser, nanny and housekeeper. She married Johnny E. Copeland on Sunday, December 25, 1955, and he passed away on Sunday, March 23, 1986. They did not have any children, but she raised Cindy Collison Cunningham. Mary was a lifelong member of Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, and was the oldest member when God called her home. She was blessed with a beautiful voice, and could sing soprano, alto, tenor and sometimes even bass. She was a one woman choir. Over the years, the congregation has enjoyed her singing, whether it be performing solos or singing duets with her brother, Monroe Askins. Each year on Mother’s Day, it was requested that Mary sing the song entitled “Mother”. At the age of 97, her voice was still strong. As a member of Mt. Calvary, Mary sang in the Mass Choir, Senior Choir and Young Adult Gospel Choir. Not only could she sing, she also played the organ and piano for Mt. Calvary. Mary was Senior Mother on the Mother Board. At one time, she was the Church Treasurer. Mary’s favorite color was blue, Chicken & Dumplings was her favorite food and she loved sewing, cooking and vegetable gardening. Her favorite song was “Fill My Cup, Lord” and her favorite scripture was Psalm 100. Mary was dedicated to her brother, Monroe Askins. Monroe became blind and after his wife, Eva Askins passed away, Mary was his eyes for many years, and helped to take care of him until his death. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her guardian, Cindy Collison Cunningham and her family of Dover, Delaware; two (2) nephews, Howard (Joan) Smack, Sr. of Seaford, Delaware and Hollis (Tanya) Smack, Sr. of Bridgeville, Delaware; several great and great-great nieces and nephews; cousins; and a special cousin, Patricia Demby Speight of Seaford, Delaware and her supportive family.

Mary Copeland

April 29, 1916 - July 4, 2013