Gayle Colburn Copeland

Born October 7,1941 to Urty & Doris Colburn, Gayle grew up in Orange, Texas where she graduated from Stark High School. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University she taught elementary school in Little Rock, Arkansas. After returning to Texas and marrying David, Gayle worked for over 30 years as a church librarian in Dallas.

Gayle’s greatest love was for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She sought ways to instill that love in her four children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in the scrapbooks she would fill with photos and memorabilia marking each stage of their lives. While watching her Baylor Bears sports on TV, she would crochet baby blankets for children of family and friends. Gayle enjoyed playing card and board games—especially when punctuated with witty conversation and lots of laughter. She liked teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who called her Gigi) new games but insisted that they follow the rules. Serving others through her church was a priority in her life. She was active in the The Heights Church ministries including the Singing Saints, Monday Funday and crocheting prayer shawls to distribute to people in area hospitals. Gayle always looked forward to seeing “The Herd”, a group of high school friends who got together each year to laugh, reminisce and catch up with each other. She will be greatly missed by her friends and loved ones.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Bruce Meier. In addition to her husband, David, she is survived by her daughter, Dianna Meier of Pflugerville, Texas; son, Allen Copeland and his wife, Delanna of McKinney, Texas; son, Bill Copeland of McKinney, Texas; and son, Kevin Copeland and his wife, Millie of Cedar Park, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica Null of Leander, Texas; Jillian Pope of Arvada, Colorado; Aaron Meier of Honolulu, Hawaii; Cody, Kyler, and Colten Copeland of McKinney, Texas; Tanner and Berkley Copeland of McKinney, Texas; Paul and Anslee Copeland of Cedar Park, Texas; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Colburn of Corsicana.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, January 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Sparkman Funeral Home, 1029 S. Greenville Avenue, Richardson, Texas, followed by interment at Restland Cemetery with Dr. Gary Singleton officiating.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Rd, Richardson, Texas.