Jewel Copeland

Jewel Copeland November 7, 1928 November 22nd, 2014 Jewel Evelyn Blackburn Copeland, 86, of Waco, went home to her Lord and Savior, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday November 25, at First Baptist Church Waco with Dr. John Wood and Dr. Randall Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday , November 24, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Jewel was born November 7, 1928, in Friendswood, Texas to Prince John and Bessie Mae Lewallen Blackburn. She was the eleventh of their thirteen children. Jewel moved to Waco with her family when she was a very young girl, and grew up attending Waco schools. She was baptized at Emanuel Baptist Church at twelve years of age, and she said that her life was changed forever. Jewel graduated from Waco High School, and during her senior year she met the love of her life, Newman E. Copeland. They married on June 14, 1947. Thus began their sixty-seven years of marriage. They made their home in Waco and raised their three daughters here. She took great pride in her role as a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Jewel had a servant's heart and was the embodiment of a strong, loving and godly woman. The greatest joy in her life was caring for her husband and family. She was the "glue" that held her family together. She reflected the love of Christ and lived a life centered around her family and friends: a life defined by love and service for God. She was a woman of many gifts: a warm and welcoming hostess, a beautiful seamstress, a talented decorator, and an excellent cook. Nothing pleased her more than having her family around her and working in her kitchen. She is remembered for her wonderful family Sunday meals. Some of her best meals included her chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, squash casseroles, and homemade pies. Her kitchen was always welcoming and open to all. Jewel was preceded in death by her parents, eight loving brothers, three of her four sisters, and many dear friends. Those left to carry on her legacy are her beloved husband Newman, her loving daughters, Dana Jones and husband, Scott; Susan Richards; and Kathy Myatt and husband, Steve; her precious grandchildren Brandon Jones and wife, Summer, of Fort Worth; David Jones of Grapevine; Christopher Jones and wife, Natalie, of San Antonio; Russell Jones and wife, Kate, of Waco; Newman Richards and wife, Brooke, of Lakeway; her only granddaughter Julie Ingham and husband, Dan, of Waco; Dr. Phillip Myatt of Waco; Nicholas Myatt and wife, Cherise, of Waco; ten great-grandchildren, with a new great-grandson coming any day; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her two wonderful helpers, whom she considered family, Carmen Picardo and Manuel Dominguez. The family would like to thank Dr. Jim Copeland, Dr. Ed Carpenter, Dr. Rod Ritchie, and her grandson Dr. Phillip Myatt for the special love and care they provided to her and our family. We also would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caring staff and nurses on 4 East at Providence Hospital; to her Hospice workers William Low, Chasity, and Shay; to Gina Gresham; and to her devoted and loving caretakers Mrs. Susie Pursely and Mrs. Kim Bond. She truly loved each and every one of the afore mentioned caregivers and friends, and our family is so grateful to all of you. Everyone who knew Jewel said that her name was a true description of her. Her family knows that she is in Heaven with Jesus wearing a crown of "jewels." Pallbearers will be her seven grandsons, and one grandson-in-law. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.