Wilma Copeland

Wilma Jean Copeland, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau.

She was born March 7, 1930, in Lutesville, Missouri, to E. Claud and Elois Puyear Clark. She and Norman W. Copeland were married March 17, 1955, in Fredericktown, Missouri. He preceded her in death Nov. 14, 2001.

Wilma graduated from Lutesville High School at the age of 16 and began teaching in small rural schools. She received a degree in home economics from Southeast Missouri State University. She then taught home economics at Fredericktown High School and later in Cape Girardeau Public Schools.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and the church quilting group. She was in charge of the church bereavement dinners and started the church luncheon for retirees. She was also a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Survivors include two daughters, Mona (Mike Critchlow) Copeland of Cape Girardeau and Patti Maevers of Jackson; sister-in-law, Rita Clark of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; two grandchildren, Michelle (Seth) Williams of Cape Girardeau and April (Caden) Gordon of Lee's Summit, Missouri; and six great-grandchildren, Malachi, Ksenia, Finnian and Eilish Williams and Casen and Luca Gordon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Jerry Maevers; and siblings, Carl Clark, Betty Runnels and Mendell Clark.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the funeral home, with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. Entombment will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to MO State Patrol Foundation, P.O. Box 922, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or online at www.mopatrolfoundation.com.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.