Anna Marie Copeland, age 62, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on October 15, 2024, at St. Louis University Hospital. Anna was born to William “Bill” Herrell and Dorothy (Schweitzer) Herrell on December 6, 1961 in Denver, CO. Anna was the oldest of six children, and the only girl. As an older sister, she naturally cared for her younger brothers growing up. When she was just over a year old, Anna and her family moved to Ava, MO where she would go on to graduate from Ava High School as class salutatorian in 1980. She then attended Southwest Missouri State University to study education. While attending college, she met Jeff Copeland and on November 4^th, 1984, they were united in marriage in Mountain Grove, MO. Anna and Jeff shared 39 years of marriage before Anna’s passing. The couple were blessed with their three children, Lindsey, Kadey, and Dylan.

Over the course of her career in education, Anna held several positions in teaching and administration at surrounding area school districts. She spent a significant part of her career working as a middle school educator, teaching reading, math, and drama. Anna always had compassion for students who seemed to need the most love and guidance. Helping these kids succeed fulfilled her work as an educator. After her retirement, she explored her interests in the medical field. When not working, Anna spent her spare time getting manicures and pedicures, watching soap operas and cooking shows, getting coffee, and riding motorcycles. Anna enjoyed winter, collecting snowmen, sending funny videos and messages, and getting breakfast with her family after church. Nothing brought Anna more joy than being with her family. The ones closest to her would know her as selfless, supportive, and playful, while also loyal, reliable, and courageous. Most importantly, she was a loving, nurturing wife, mother, nanna, daughter, and sister. By others, she was described as confident, intelligent, strong-willed, driven, a natural leader, great listener, problem-solver, and always made everyone feel included.

Anna was preceded in death by her father, William “Bill” Herrell and her beloved yorkie, Moose. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Herrell; husband, Jeff Copeland; daughter, Lindsey and Son-in-law, Justin Hance; daughter, Kadey Copeland; son, Dylan Copeland; grandchildren, Parker and Jordyn Hance; her five brothers, Dan Herrell, Joe Herrell, Justin Herrell, Austin Herrell, and Clay Herrell, as well as several other family members.

A visitation for Anna will be held on Thursday, 24th of October, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield, MO. A service will be held on Friday, 25th of October, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, with a burial to follow at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.

The family would love for anyone in attendance to write a special message to Anna that will be placed with her. Paper will be provided by Greenlawn at the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Anna’s memory to Pat Jones YMCA annual campaign to help underprivileged children in the area or The Lupus Foundation to help support research and a cure.