Ervin Copeland,Jr.

Ervin Copeland Jr. was born on August 31, 1942, in Suffolk, Virginia. He was the son of the late Ervin Copeland, Sr., the late Mamie Sue Edwards Copeland, and the late Oakey Holland. Ervin was the oldest of four siblings: Virginia Marie Copeland, Mamie Lorine Copeland Jordan of Sunbury, North Carolina, and William Larry Copeland of Suffolk, Virginia. Virginia preceded him in death. Ervin was educated in Suffolk Public Schools prior to being drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War. He served his country honorably and received many awards and recognitions including the rank of Sergeant, two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal, an Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and many others. Ervin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and joined Metropolitan Baptist Church in 1953. He was active within the church and served on many of the church ministries including driving the church van. Ervin served on the Trustee Board and as Chairman. He served as Chairman for six years, the longest in the Church’s history and has remained as Trustee-emeritus. Ervin married Barbara West in 1971, and from this union, they had a daughter, Mrs. Debra Sullivan (Henry) of Atlanta, Georgia, and a Godson, Dr. Brian L. Wright, of Memphis, Tennessee. Ervin was a hard worker, he retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 30-years of service as a civil servant and worked for over 50 years at Crocker Funeral Home. Ervin had nicknames as “Scacey or the Mayor” as he was fondly called will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, laughter, and smiles. He also leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Antonio Brown, Portsmouth, Virginia and Corey Banks, Fayetteville, North Carolina; and daughter, Charnele Banks, Newport News, Virginia; and four grandchildren: Suzette, Juliette, Charniece, and Charrae Banks; nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends. A visitation with family will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held noon Friday, March 13, 2020 at Metropolitan Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Hobbs will deliver the message of comfort. He will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ervin Copeland,Jr., please visit our flower store.