Mother Bernetha Bruce Copeland

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. announces the transition of Mother Bernetha Bruce Copeland of Darlington. Mother Copeland exchanged time for eternity on Monday, February 20, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loved ones.

Funeral service is 1:30pm on Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Round O Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Life’s Reflections

     “For now I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. “ ~ II Timothy 4: 6-7

     Mother Bernetha Bruce Copeland was born on February 24, 1928 and exchanged time for eternity on Monday, February 20, 2023 at age of 94 years old.  “Mrs. Bea” as she was affectionately called was the daughter of the late James Preston Sweet and Sarah Fields Sweet and was reared by her mother, Sarah Sweet Smalls and her stepfather, Thomas Smalls.

     Bernetha received her education in the Darlington County Public School System and attend J. L. Cain Elementary and graduated from Mayo High School. She worked in Darlington and was a proud cook at the Deluxe Cafe on Pearl Street and was a domestic worker as well in Darlington County. “Mrs. Bea” enjoyed cooking and serving others. Even in her nineties, she was known for cooking a full course meal with her homemade biscuits. Crackling cornbread, collard greens, coon, rabbit, you name it, Mrs. Bea cooked it. 

      Bernetha was first married to the late Frank Bruce and this union was blessed with many children. After his passing, Bernetha met and married Gene Paul Copeland on January 14, 1983.

      At an early age, Bernetha was baptized and a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Years later, “Mrs. Bea” became an active member of the Round O Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of the Mass Choir, Missionary Ministry, the Pastor’s Aide Ministry and the Usher Board. Mother Bea loved the Lord and served Him faithfully until her health would no longer allow her to attend worship services regularly.

       Those left to cherish her memory are: her husband of 40 years, Gene P. Copeland of the home; five children: Sarah Ann Witherspoon of Florence, SC, Jimmy (Ann) Sweet, Rex (Trisha) Bruce both of NC, Barbara J. Bruce of the home and Kathy (James) Muldrow of Darlington, SC; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

       She was preceded in death by her parents, step father, eleven children, several brothers and sisters.

Please keep the family of Mother Bernetha Copeland in your thoughts and prayers. 

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