"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness judge give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Helen Corrine Williams Copeland passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018 in the comforts of her home after an acute illness.  Helen was born on June 5, 1924 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Edna Pugh and the late Edward Williams.  She was the second child of three.

Helen attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated valedictorian at the age of 16 from the historic Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. After high school, Helen continued her education at St. Phillip of MCV in Richmond and earned and a nursing degree in 1943.

In 1947, Helen married the late Columbus Copeland in Norfolk, Virginia. From this union, two children were born, Christina and Daschell.

Helen was known for her caring and nurturing, sweet spirit to any and everyone she encountered. These quality characteristics were particularly important in her role as a Public Health Registered Nurse. During her career, Helen was employed as a private duty nurse for Dr. George Alston, worked at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD), was a Charge Nurse for the Berkley Branch of the Norfolk Department of Public Health, and provided quality nursing care to many immunization clinics in the City of Norfolk, such as, Oakleaf Park, Diggs Park, Berkley, Campostella, Roberts Park, and others.  She retired after 32 years of service from the Berkley Branch of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. In a special tribute by The Berkley Team, Helen was identified as an early pioneer that provided continuity of services for many years and greatly contributed to the "institutional memory."

Helen was an active member in her church and community. Early in childhood, she attended Mt. Zion AME and Bethlehem Baptist Church.  In 1947, Helen became a member of Grace Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild and Saint Monica's Guild.  Helen was a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority (Eta Chapter) for fifty plus years. Helen simply adored her sorors and loved their mission of elevating the plane of nursing and increasing the interest in the nursing profession guided by the motto "Service for Humanity". Her community involvement included L and J Garden Civic League and the Les Demoiselles Social Club.

Helen leaves a lasting legacy and wonderful memories to her family and friends. Her husband of 36 years, Columbus Copeland, her sister, Jacqueline Williams Spady, and brother Edward Williams predeceased her.  She is survived by her two children, Edna Christina Copeland Riddick and her son, Daschell R. Copeland; two grandchildren, Paul R. "PJ" Riddick, Jr. and Phelecia R. Riddick-Debnam and her husband Shawn Debnam; two adorable great-grandchildren, Isaiah K. Riddick-Debnam and Karrington S. Riddick-Debnam. The love and admiration of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren provided numerous memories, smiles, and laughter to Nanny. Helen will be missed dearly by brother-in-law, Teresa Spady, Priscilla Coleman, Bonita Herron, Joyce Latimer, Doris Lewis (Jeffrey), Roxanne Kent (Carl), Martin Spady (Joan), Joseph Spady (Becky), Edward Spady, Robert Spady (Wendy), Norman Latimer (Debra), Lillie May Street, James Anderson, Edna Hackney, and Wilhelmina Pinter. Special friends of over fifty years Janie Cooke, Paul R. Riddick, Sr. and her goddaughter, Carolyn Deloatch, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives and friends will also sorely miss Helen.

We, the family of Helen Williams Copeland, would like to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks for your prayers and support during this difficult time for our family for Mom, Nanny, or Aunt Helen, as she was affectionately known. We thank each and everyone for all acts of kindness shown to us during this time.

Special thanks to the Freda H. Gordon Hospice staff and Sentara Leigh, 2 ^nd Floor Wing staff for the comfort given to Mom in the last days of her life and her dependable caregivers that have been part of our family for years: Jackie, Dorothy, Yvonne, Hope, Carolyn, Becky, Shannel, Tamika, and Keisha.  We sincerely appreciate all your assistance.