Anita Copeland

Anita was born in Memphis, Tennessee July 23, 1940 and died March 12, 2017 in Fort Worth, TX. While an infant her family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. Anita graduated from Birdville High School in Haltom City in 1959. She was a feature twirler through high school and college, and then taught private twirling for over 50 years. She also founded “Arlington Starlettes Association” a precision twirling team. Hundreds of little girls enjoyed marching in parades and festivals for decades. Anita attended UTA and then received her master’s degree from Texas Weslyan College in Elementary Education.

Anita met the love of her life while she was a feature twirler under the drum major’s (Bob Copeland) baton. Bob and Anita married July 15th 1961. She taught mainly 5th and 6th graders at Duff Elementary and Thornton Elementary in AISD. Anita was very involved in many organizations, including: Charter Member of New World Methodist; Delta Delta Delta at UTA; Scrapbook Chairwoman and Historian of the Arlington Woman’s Club; Altrusa Club; Chairwoman at Majong; Encore; Suburban Woman’s Club; President and Historian of the Rotary Woman; Historian of Retired Teachers of Arlington; Veteran’s Welcoming Committee; UIL Region Secretery; REBSA UTA Band Alumnae.

Mrs. Copeland was preceded in death by her parents Margo Hand and Robert Jewell. She had no siblings, but had an exciting childhood watching her brave mother “wing-walk” on her father’s private plane. Bob jewel also flew with Charles Lindburg in the 30’s. Survivors: husband of 55 years, Robert G. Copeland; son, Robert Ryan Copeland; daughter, Cara Wynn Copeland Obi and husband Chidi Michael Obi; grandchildren, Ricky, Alex, Zoe, Sophia, and a new blessing arriving in October 2017.

Pallbearers: Rick Baker, Royce Coatney, Jim Plog, David Long, Jack Watkins, Mike Shelton, Mark Shelton, and Stewart Dedman; Honorary Pallbearers: Mike Buesing, Bill Snodgrass, Jim Hall, Craig McCracken, Ray Lichten Walter, Dave Henning, Stuart Shipley, and Randy Ferraris.

Visitation: Monday, March 20, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Moore Funeral Home. Celebration of Life: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 2 PM held at New World United Methodist Church with interment following at Moore Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the following organizations: Universal Health and Palliative Care, Gladney Center, Mission Arlington, New World Methodist Music Dept., and Arlington Woman’s Club.