Billie Dean Copeland

Billie Dean (Smith) Copeland

Billie Copeland, 93, of Bethel Acres fell asleep in Christ Monday, January 27 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 22, 1931, in Searcy, Arkansas to Walter Lee and Mable L. Smith. As a child, her family moved to Savanna, Oklahoma where she graduated with the class of 1950. In high school she played basketball under Coach Doc Bennett. She also played AAU Women's Basketball with the Little Dixie Queens. They once traveled to Mexico City winning every game there.

Billie worked for Western Auto in Kansas City from 1951-1955. She worked for Sharp Auto Supply in Oklahoma City from 1955-1960. It was there she met her husband Welton H. Copeland. They were married on May 6, 1961, in Gainesville, Texas. From this marriage came 3 beautiful daughters, Paula Sue, Karen Diane, and Kathy Lynn. Billie was a devoted wife and mother who made our home a place of love.

She loved children and devoted her life to childcare in the home and in her church, where she faithfully served for over 40 years.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Betty Marlow and three brothers, W.L. Smith, Jim Smith, and Ronnie Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Welton, her daughters, Paula (David) Williams, Karen (Paul) Thompson, and Kathy (Seth) Ramsey; 9 grandchildren, Russel (Coco) Ramsey, Kyle Ramsey, Brandon (Lindsay) Ramsey, Gareth (Chelsea) Williams, Evan (Jess) Williams, Rhys Williams, Lindi (Cody) Creel, Arinée (Coulter) Conner and Rachel (Jake) Bersche; 20 great-grandchildren; Emma, David, Rowan, Caleb, Barrett, Cooper, Noah, Jacob, Kellan, Emery, Gavin, Kingston, Jack, Heath, Judah, Gabriel, Lilian, Winnie Mae, and baby boy on the way; 2 sisters, Katie Graham and Patty (Jim) Harris, and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Thompson and Rev. Larry Sparks officiating. Burial will follow at Blackburn Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Shawnee. Viewing will be Friday, January 31 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with the family present from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Baptist Children's Home.

Services will be livestreamed through Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church at https://www.facebook.com/share/15zpbee8Gp/