Dorothy Ann Jeffries

Dorothy Ann Copeland Jeffries, born on February 24, 1958, in Columbus, Georgia, was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and pillar of her community. She was the daughter of Mary Louise O’Neal Copeland and John Fletcher Copeland and the youngest daughter among her siblings. Throughout her life, Dorothy was known for her generous spirit, love for family, dedication to community service, and the joy she found in bringing people together.

Dorothy graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, Georgia, where she distinguished herself as an accomplished athlete, earning several awards in track and field. Her determination, energy, and commitment to excellence would continue to shine throughout her life.

In 1977, Dorothy married SSGT Melvin McGhee, United States Marine Corps (Retired). Their union was blessed with two sons, Melvin Cornelius McGhee and Xavier Delsoan McGhee. Together, they also welcomed their nieces, Alisha and Megan McGhee, into their home as infants and raised them as their own daughters, embracing them with the same love, care, and devotion they gave their sons. Dorothy’s heart and home were always open to those she loved, and family was at the center of everything she did.

Following the end of her first marriage in 1999, Dorothy later found love again and married SGT Francis T. Jeffries, United States Army (Retired), in 2002. Their bond was one of love and companionship, and she affectionately called him “Jeff.” His passing in 2007 left a profound void in her life, as she mourned not only her husband but also her best friend.

Dorothy had a special gift for making people feel welcome and loved. Whether she was cooking, catering an event, organizing a family gathering, celebrating birthdays and holidays, hosting wedding receptions, helping nurse someone back to health in her home, assisting yet another birth in the delivery room, giving her last penny to others in need, or opening up her doors for anyone who needed shelter, she took pride in creating memorable moments for the people around her. Her love for music and dancing reflected her vibrant spirit, while her greatest joys came from caring for and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her commitment to service extended far beyond her family. Dorothy was actively involved with AMVETS Post #9, American Legion Post 267, and numerous other community organizations and scholarship foundations. Through her leadership and service as a director in various organizations, she devoted herself to helping others, supporting educational opportunities, and strengthening her community. Her involvement was so extensive that there are simply too many organizations and contributions to name. She gave freely of her time, energy, and heart, leaving a meaningful impact on the lives of many.

Dorothy’s legacy is one of love, service, resilience, generosity, and family. She was a woman who believed in showing up for others, celebrating life’s special moments, and creating a sense of belonging wherever she went without asking for anything in return. Her influence will continue to live on through the many lives she touched, the traditions she established, and the memories her family and friends will cherish forever.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, SGT Francis T. Jeffries (1941–2007), of Georgia; her brother, Jerome “Ike” Copeland (1959–2013), of Georgia; her sister, Mildred Diane Hollis Gooden (1951–2021), of Indiana and her brother, Bernard Lamar (1955–2026), of Georgia. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her son, Melvin (Olivia) McGhee, of Oklahoma; her son, Xavier McGhee, of Georgia; her daughters, Megan McGhee and Alisha McGhee, of Georgia; her sister, Jacqueline Walker, of Washington; her sister, Yvonne (Charles) Edwards, of Utah; her brother, James (Latonya) Copeland, of Georgia; her longtime friend, Melvin (Carla) McGhee, of North Carolina and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Dorothy’s life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, the importance of family, and the lasting value of serving others. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow in Fisher Chapel.