Velton “Deedar” Jessie Copeland died Friday, June, 4, 2010, at his home. He was 65.

Mr. Copeland was a member of Travelers Rest Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a retired member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America No. 75 in Joliet, Ill., and American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hezzie Sr. and Fallie Copeland; two brothers, Hezzie Copeland Jr. and Virgil Copeland Sr.; and three sisters, Mary Stark, Gracie White and Bernice Pleasant.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Virgie Dockins Copeland of Vicksburg; three daughters, Henrine McCullum of Joliet, Ill., Gerri Dockins of Boston, and Terri Copeland of Lebanon, Tenn.; one son, George Copeland of Joliet, Ill.; six sisters, Fallie Cobbs, Emma Jackson, Ola Stevenson, Barbara McKnight and Brenda McBride, all of Vicksburg, and Delores Tillman of Edwards; one brother, Terence Copeland Sr. of Vicksburg; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, relatives and friends including the Queen, Gibson, Cobbs, Dockins, Chambers, Franklin and Williams families.

Williams Funeral Service has charge of the arrangements.