Obituary of Agnes Jerline Copeland-Green

Agnes Jerline Copeland-Green, 71, was called home on Sunday, December 26th with her family by her side.

The incomparable Agnes was born January 9, 1950 in Handsome, VA to Nettie and Horace Copeland. A firecracker since birth, Agnes always told stories of being mischievous as a child and spending time with her cousin Larry and younger sister Jill.  

Agnes grew up on a farm during the Jim Crow era and always made sure she spoke her mind and advocated for herself and others when the opportunity arose. While Agnes’ mother was sometimes fearful of her outspokenness, Agnes was never deterred. Her brazenness and confidence were traits that served her well as she grew older.

Agnes graduated from the Newark State College of New Jersey (now Kean University) in 1972. While Agnes initially was a teacher, one day she came home from work and saw a flier for a flight attendant position in the newspaper. She told herself, “Oh! I can do that!” and applied. After moving to Minnesota, Agnes became a flight attendant in May of 1973 and worked for North Central, Republic, Northwest, and Delta Airlines. While working as a flight attendant, she met her husband, Kenneth. They were married on May 23rd, 1986. 

She flew for almost fifty years before retiring in August of 2020. Agnes enjoyed meeting new people and exploring new places, which is why she was passionate and excited to go to work every day. 
 

When she wasn’t at work, Agnes was a woman on the move. She loved going to the movie theater, seeing plays, dressing up for events, and making new friends. In 2004, Agnes joined the Red Hat Society and went on a slew of adventures with her fellow ladies. She also loved playing games such as sudoku, bingo, and her absolute favorite, sequence. Anyone who played against her was bound to lose a few rounds! Agnes was an avid reader and continued to learn throughout her life. She would try to learn one new thing every day and share this new knowledge with her family and friends. On Sundays, Agnes attended St. Peter’s AME Church where she ushered every third Sunday of the month. 

One of the defining characteristics of Agnes Copeland-Green was her generosity. She was a woman of her word and expected others to be too. She showed up for the people she loved without hesitation and opened up her heart and her home to those who needed it. If you needed a ride, you called Agnes. If you needed advice, you called Agnes. If you just wanted someone to have fun with, you called Agnes! 

Agnes is survived by her children, Lisa Renee Wilson (Charles), Britney Morgan Green (Jobe) and Ashley Lauren Green; grandchildren, Aaliyah and Zaria Dunbar, sister, Jillis V. Copeland; and Uncle James Pope (Fannie).

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Charles Green, Mother Nettie Copeland, Father Horace Copeland, Mother-in-law Bessie Green and brother Donnie. Agnes leaves behind a host of siblings; Barbara, Les, Lois, Lauren, Garris, Horace “Allen” and Christopher, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. 

Agnes will forever be remembered for her fiery spirit, her boldness, her confidence, and her endless capacity for love. She will live on forever in our hearts and in our precious memories.

While a private service has already taken place for her immediate family, a Celebration of Life Service is being planned for Saturday July 23, 2022 for all her friends and family.