Maggie Bernice Copley

In Loving Memory of Maggie Bernice Copley It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Maggie Bernice Copley, known to most simply as Bernice, who went home to be with the Lord on October 29th, 2025 at the age of 92, due to natural causes. Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved son Klon David Ellis and his father Klon, her husband Oley Copley, her parents Ethel and John Russell, and her siblings Ray, Lorene, Ladonna, Howard, Gaynell, Michael, Ernest Glen, and Edsel, along with many in-laws, family members, and lifelong friends. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Valerie McKenzie (William) and Melinda LeVasseur (John), her daughter-in-law Pam Ellis, her sister Tennessee Arrowood (Glen), her grandchildren Rhiannon Nader (Nate), Lindsey Stewart (Craig), Courtney Stewart (Simone), Abigail (Abby) Stricker (Chris), and Jordan McCown (Colin), and Lakyn Sheffield (Logan), and her great-grandchildren Madison, Brighton, Mason, Bryson, Payton, and little Mason, as well as many sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Born at home in East Lynn, West Virginia, Bernice grew up as one of ten siblings and among the five oldest. She loved sharing stories from her childhood—always with laughter, a mischievous grin, and a sparkle in her eye. Family vacations to Michigan and West Virginia were filled with laughter and storytelling on patios, surrounded by her siblings, reliving the happiest times of their lives. Faith and family were at the center of Bernice’s world. She loved caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing Phase 10, Yahtzee, and Rook, and joining in whatever the family was doing. Though quiet by nature, Bernice was often braver than she let on—riding horses, driving bumper boats, and even riding a jet ski (despite claiming she couldn’t swim!). In her 60s, she attended a music festival with her grandkids in San Antonio and floated down the Guadalupe River—proof that her spirit was always young at heart. Her sense of humor was subtle and sweet. When asked how she was feeling, she’d reply, “With my hands.” Or when asked where to turn, “turn left,” she’d mischievously say, “Right,” just to get a laugh, as it could be construed as actually turning right vs left. Her radiant smile and loving nature shone brightest when surrounded by family, standing proudly in the center of every photo with joy in her eyes. Bernice worked for many years in dietary supervision at what is now Memorial Hermann Memorial City, later continuing her service in the Leander Independent School District near Austin. She loved her work and her coworkers, retiring at 74 years old. She spent her later years near family—first in Leander with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for 4 years, and then in Conroe, Texas, and New Waverly, TX, where she lived with her daughter Melinda and son-in-law John. The LeVasseur family welcomed her with open arms, and she shared in countless birthdays, holidays, and celebrations filled with love and laughter. She will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength—the first to help with dishes, the one who gave without asking for anything in return, and the heart that held her family together. Her legacy of love will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. “Her smile, her kindness, and her laughter will remain with us always. May she rest in peace and remain a beautiful memory in each of our hearts.” Funeral service will be live streamed at the time of services using the link below. https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25101704265534 A private burial will take place at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Maggie Bernice Copley

July 6, 1933 - October 29, 2025