Merrian “Mary” Copeland went to be with her Heavenly Father on August 19, 2021 after a two year battle with cancer. Waiting to welcome her there were her parents Jack & Thelma Copeland, a brother Rick Rea, and her beautiful niece Sarah Vanderhoof, all who preceded her in death. Mary was an active member of Glenstone Baptist Church.

Mary graduated from Missouri State University in 1988 with a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration. Using this degree, she worked with Cox Health Systems for the last 30 years, most recently as Food Service Quality Manager.

Mary had a passion for bears. She loved to go on trips to Yellowstone National Park where she would spend hours driving around the park taking in the beauty of the mountains, valleys, rivers and wildlife, always on the lookout for the rare sighting of a bear. She took that passion for bears a step further and had a large collection of teddy bears and bear figurines.

Mary also loved to cook and was exceptional at it. She very much enjoyed cooking for family on holidays and birthdays. Family genealogy was another love of Mary’s. She would dig deep into the archives of books and of family memories to learn family history and where she came from.

She loved supporting A Sporting Chance, an organization that gives disabled and disadvantaged individuals a chance to participate in sports. She could be found at just about every fund raising event, leading the charge for the Bowling fundraiser.

Mary is survived by seven siblings, David Rea and his wife Paula, Chuck Rea, Gary Rea and his wife Glenda, Michelle Pendergrass, Marlyne Vanderhoof and her husband Steve, Mike Copeland and his wife Sheila, and special baby brother Marc Copeland, whom she has taken care of for many years; 15 nieces and nephews, uncle and aunts, several cousins, and a host of co-workers, friends, and others whom loved her deeply.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Bonebrake, Kristin Heydt, FNP, Dr. Schultz, and the nurses and aides on 200 at Cox South for all their compassion and care during this difficult journey.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday, August 27 at Greenlawn North with services at 11 am Saturday, August 28 at Glenstone Baptist Church, 413 S Glenstone Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to A Sporting Chance PO Box 11337 Springfield, MO 65808 or by going to their website www.asportingchance.net. Please be respectful and wear a mask at both the visitation and service.