Sarah Evelyn Swingle Copeland Avel

She was born on March 13, 1926 to the late Ralph Emerson and Zelda Ashley Swingle. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Paul Avel, Sgt., Major, USMC, Retired and twin sister, Mary Elizabeth “Bettye” Swingle Bruce and her grandson-in-law, Kevin Taylor, Major, US Army.

Mrs. Evelyn Copeland Avel was a 30-year retired First grade & Kindergarten teacher for the Hamilton County Department of Education. She taught at East Ridge Elementary and Dupont Elementary. She was a former member of Fairview United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and a current member of Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

She was a previous member and officer at Kappa Kappa Iota Educational Sorority and American Business Women.

She is survived by her children: Beth Copeland Bragg (Tony) of Kingsport, TN, David Copeland (Nancy) and Gayle Copeland Hixson (Barney) both of Hixson, TN, Donna Jo Avel Howell (Bob) of Aiken, S.C., Andy Avel (Micki) of Harriman, TN.; Grandchildren: Paige Bragg Taylor, Jim Copeland (Natalie), Chad Brown, Bill Copeland (Cindy), Todd Bragg (Ashley), Stephanie McQueen (Josh);. Great-grandchildren: Macy Taylor, Cameron Taylor, Aleq Bragg, Kelsey Brown, William Copeland, Josie McQueen, Savana Shackleford, and Bailey Emerson Copeland; sister, Doris Swingle Hall (Glen), Knoxville, TN, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to all her beloved care-takers at her home at Regency House of Hixson TN.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 pm on Monday and 10:30 to 11:30 am on Tuesday at the North Chapel.

Funeral services for Evelyn will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday at the North Chapel with Doctor Phil Sumrall and Reverend Phil Bruce officiating. Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers: Memorial Gifts can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, P. O. Box 19269, Chattanooga, TN 37416 (in memory of her twin-sister’s care by Hospice).

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.