Janice "Freda" Copeland Allyn

Janice “Freda” Copeland Allyn, a woman of quiet strength and enduring faith, was born on September 18, 1921, in Flintville, Tennessee, in the home of her grandparents. The eldest of six children in a close-knit family of eight, she was lovingly known by her middle name, Freda. She grew up in a rural setting surrounded by farmland, where her family owned and operated a small grocery store, raised chickens, tended a large vegetable garden, and occasionally kept a cow, experiences that shaped her lifelong appreciation for simple living and steady work.

Freda graduated as valedictorian from Flintville High School in 1939. Following graduation, she worked for the Lincoln County school superintendent and later spent six months in Corsicana, Texas, assisting her uncle. She eventually moved to Nashville, where she was employed as an accounting clerk with Gulf Oil Refining Company. It was there that she met the love of her life.

On March 17, 1951, St. Patrick’s Day, Freda married Maurice Delmar “M.D.” Allyn in Nashville, beginning a devoted partnership that would anchor her life. Together they built a home rooted in love, faith, and service to others, sharing 59 wonderful years of marriage.

Freda found joy in life’s quiet pleasures. She was an avid reader, known for her remarkable goal of reading nearly every book available in her retirement community library. She enjoyed needlework, tabletop games, and for many years cultivated a beautiful collection of African violets. A loyal sports fan, she cheered enthusiastically for the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, and Houston Comets. She was also well known for her daily walks at the mall, her cooking, and her deep connection to Gethsemane Methodist Church.

Above all, Freda will be remembered for her unwavering faith and her love for God and people. She lived out the fruits of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in a way that quietly touched everyone around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who gave herself generously.

Freda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maurice Delmar “M.D.” Allyn; her grandparents, Fenton and Susan Copeland; her parents, Jess and Jessie Copeland; and all of her siblings: Leon Copeland, Janet Beasley, Frank “Pat” Copeland, Marie Steelman, and Robert Copeland.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children: Janice Allyn Pope (Russ), Lawrence “Larry” Allyn (Susan), and Patricia “Trish” Jean Tagle (Raul); her grandchildren: Jordan Daniel Pope, Emily Diane Pope, April Ann Allyn, and Rachel Kathryn Tagle Howard (Henry “Hank”); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Freda’s life stands as a testament to faithful service, gentle strength, and steadfast love. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.