Doris Jean Copeland

Doris Jean Copeland, 90, arrived in Heaven on September 21, 2020. Doris Jean Copeland was born on July 26, 1930 in Hearne, Texas to Fad and Lucy Gamble who predeceased her. She was the youngest of three children. Her sister, Audrey Clewis and brother, TH Gamble predeceased her as well. Doris married Clyde Wayne, Sr. in 1953. She later married Joe Louis Copeland in 1961. Both predeceased her. Doris raised her children and was the epitome of courage and strength.
Doris graduated from Prairie View A & M University (College) in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Doris earned a Master of Arts degree in 1977 from Azusa Pacific University. She was a classroom teacher for over 40 years in both Texas and California. The majority of her career was spent in Fontana Unified School District. In 1969, she was the second African American teacher to be employed in Fontana Unified School District. Doris was a no-nonsense kind of teacher with a heart of gold. Her students loved and respected her, as did her colleagues and administrators.
She had a razor-sharp wit and was never lacking a catchy come back that left everyone in stiches! She was a great cook and everyone who had a chance to sample her food was eager to find out when she was cooking again. In particular, she was known for her coconut pound cake. Crumbs never even made it back home on her cake plate! Doris was a die-hard Dodger fan. She enjoyed a game every opportunity she had.
Doris had a beautiful smile. She brought energy to every room she entered. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend. She was so very loving and generous to all who were privileged to know her. She was a woman of great faith. She made it known that she "fought her battles on her knees". She was a member of a few churches and she sang in the choir. She loved and served the Lord all her days. She will be sorely missed by her children Gina Copeland of Diamond Bar, California and Clyde Wayne (Monique) of Oakland, California as well as countless family and friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.