Pamela Lynn Copeland

Obituary for Pamela Lynn Copeland

Sunrise: January 20, 1958 – Sunset: November 3, 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Pamela Lynn Copeland, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and her immediate family, at Obici Hospital. She was born on January 20, 1958, in Portsmouth, Virginia—the beloved youngest of ten children born to the late Julius and Edna (Taylor) Copeland.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son Jason Copeland and his wife Michelle of San Antonio, Texas, and their children Jayson, Isak, Jaylyn, and Justin; and her daughter Crystal Hardy and her husband Michael Hardy of Suffolk, Virginia, and their children Michael (“Mikey”) and Miah. She would always lovingly tell them, “I love you to the moon and back.”

She was predeceased by siblings Julius Lee, Arthur Cornelius, and Patricia Diane, and leaves Sylvia Brown, Edna McCoy, Celestine “Tina” Hutton, Irene (Sandra) Blackett, Maynard “Darnell” Copeland, and Syretha “Rita” Wright to cherish the memories of their baby sister. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will continue to honor her memory.

Growing up in the Ebony Heights neighborhood of Churchland, Pamela was known for her warmth, laughter, and her gift for knowing no stranger. A proud graduate of Churchland High School, Class of 1976, she went on to work in various fields, including as a medical transcriptionist, before discovering her true calling—helping others through direct care and human service.

Guided by her heart for people, Pamela returned to school and earned her Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Tidewater Community College in 2013. She later continued her education at Norfolk State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Though health challenges prevented her from completing her degree, her dedication to serving others never wavered.

Pamela often said her greatest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren. She took immense joy in sharing their stories and successes with anyone who would listen.

Even as she faced chronic illness, vision loss, and dialysis, Pamela remained a radiant source of positivity. Through a program for the blind, she found new ways to stay active and uplift others. Her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and boundless kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. When her health allowed, she loved singing in the Gospel Unity Choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Virginia Beach and enjoyed attending or organizing social events to share her love for life and people.

If she could be remembered for one thing, it would be her genuine love for life and for the people she held dear. Even when her body grew weary, her spirit remained strong—encouraging her loved ones to “take that vacation, apply for that job, move to that new place, and take a chance on the unknown.” She always promised to be praying for their success, cheering for every victory, big or small. Her light, laughter, and love will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. “Her hope never wavered, her love never dimmed, and her joy was contagious.”

Her family takes comfort in knowing she now has her healing with our Lord and Savior, holding close to heart Mark 5:34: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

All services are private. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.