Shirley (Gargis) Copeland

Shirley departed this life surrounded by her family and entered her heavenly home December 16, 2018. Shirley’s passion in life was her Lord, her church, and her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She was a proud member of the Sheffield High School Class of 1953.

She is survived by her son, Wally Copeland and wife, Mary; daughter, Nancy Winkle and her husband, Steve; brother, Douglas Gargis; brother-in-law, Hollis Isbell; sister-in-law, Pauline Gargis; grandchildren, Blake Copeland, Huston Woodis, Rachel Copeland, and Anna Grace Woodis whom she loved so very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years and love of her life, William Elton Copeland parents, Theo and Lynda Meadows Gargis; sisters, Judy Skerston, Mary Jo Uhlman, and Mildred “ Mittie”  Isbell, who was not only her sister but her best friend; brothers, Walter Gargis, Mack Gargis, Charles Gargis, and Tillman Gargis.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 12-2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel, Tuscumbia, with the service to follow in the chapel at 2 p.m. Dr. Tom Whatley will be officiating the service. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.

Shirley was part of the youth group when Woodward Avenue Baptist Church was formed in 1945, and accepted Christ and became a member of WABC where she served faithfully for more than 70 years. She served as a teacher for many years. Shirley served her Lord and her church faithfully her entire life.

Shirley retired from the Muscle Shoals Electric Board as the officer manager after 40 years and at one time serving as city clerk.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Blake Copeland and Huston Woodis; nephews, Neal Isbell, Richard Isbell, Michael Gargis, and Steven Gargis.

As a family we offer our special and heartfelt thanks to Molly Jones and Debbie Sanderson for their tender compassionate care provided to Shirley and her family during her illness. Also great thanks to Dr. Jack McLendon for his compassionate care provided to Shirley and her family during her illness. Also, Julie West, hospice nurse for her tender care at all times of the day and night.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Woodward Avenue Baptist Church in her memory. Colbert Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. You may sign the online registry at colbertmemorial.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley (Gargis) Copeland, please visit our floral store.