Marvin Copeland, Sr.

Marvin Copeland Sr., whose easy-going demeanor and endearing smile were lifelong characteristics, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

If on March 18, 1943, Marvin (the eighth of nine children born to the late Jordan and Bessie Copeland) had greeted his parents with a smile, it would be no surprise.

The easy-going style and smile were evident during his early education in Suffolk Public Schools and further pronounced while participating in sports and activities at Booker T. Washington High School from which he graduated.

Those traits were irresistible to his high-school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jessie Mae Finney, to whom he was married for 58 years. Marvin was a devoted husband and adoring father to six children who loved his family unconditionally.

He began his working career at Newport News Shipbuilding. After stints at Pepsi-Cola Bottling and Ford Motor companies, he retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Marvin served up those good-spirited qualities again in his second career as a restaurateur. He was co-owner and helped manage several Suffolk eateries, among them the C&C Restaurant, until his health declined.

Marvin was a talented builder and exhibited his skills in the construction of an addition to the family residence, where relatives from far and near would flock to for reunions, holiday celebrations and other gatherings.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church-Mahan. He was an avid fan of sports of all kinds; was especially fond of the Washington Commanders football team and loved coaching Little League baseball.

Most of all, Marvin loved talking, joking and just interacting with people - easy-going in character and that ever-present smile intact, naturally.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Jessie Finney Copeland; devoted son, Marvin Copeland, Jr: daughters, Wendy A. Copeland, Kim L. Copeland, Valorie Copeland Morris (Reginald Sr.) all of Suffolk, VA, Glenda L. Copeland of Houston, TX, and Karen Copeland Thompson of Portsmouth, VA; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.

Rest in peace, Marvin. "Easy like Sunday morning."

A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, October 23, 2023 at First Baptist Church-Mahan. He will be laid to rest in Holly Lawn Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.