of Searcy, AR

August 19, 1936 - June 23, 2025

Shirley Louise Smith Copeland of Searcy, Arkansas was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 19, 1936 and passed from this life on Monday, June 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Elliot Copeland; her parents, Archie and Ollie Mae Smith; one brother, John Daniel Smith and one sister, Vera Wolf. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Elliot Copeland (Deborah) of Prattville, Alabama; one daughter, Janis Copeland Ragsdale (Scott) of Searcy, Arkansas; one sister, Vonnie Smith Bessent; four grandchildren, Justin Copeland, Nathan Copeland, Brooke Kaye and Brandon Ragsdale; eight great-grandchildren, Jace Copeland, Carter Copeland, Kate Copeland, Colin Copeland, William Copeland, Grant Copeland, Connor Kaye and Cedar Ragsdale and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley's love for music touched countless lives. She sang at many weddings and funerals, offering comfort and joy through her voice. She helped form and direct ladies' singing groups at Lake Forest and Lakeside Church of Christ in Florida and also sang with the Jacksonville Florida Opera Society. For Shirley, music was a lifelong gift she shared freely - a reflection of her faith, heart and grace.

Her deep faith was the foundation of her life - she was actively involved in the church for many years and served faithfully alongside her husband as an elder's wife. For Shirley, music was more than a talent; it was a reflection of her love for the Lord and the people around her.

Shirley's hands were rarely still - always creating, always giving. She loved to sew, to tend her flower garden and in her later years, to crochet blankets that were donated to children in need through "His House" in Searcy. Her creativity extended to the kitchen, where she was known for her exceptional baking. Her red velvet cake, carrot cake, peanut butter fudge and banana pudding were beloved staples at family gatherings, especially cherished by her children and grandchildren. Each stitch, bloom and sweet treat was a reflection of her care, her generosity and the love she poured into everything she did.

Shirley brought the same dedication and attention to detail to her work as she did to her home and family. She served as an accounting supervisor for Burmah-Castrol Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked faithfully for 25 years until her retirement in Searcy. Her quiet diligence, integrity and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on colleagues and reflected the steady, dependable spirit she carried into every part of her life.

At the time of her death, Shirley was a resident at Providence Senior Living, where she lived for 15 years and was a member of West Side Church of Christ.

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