Kirk E. Copeland

The Obituary 

Kirk Edward “Cope”Copeland of Yonkers, New York was born May 2, 1952 to the union of Millard Morris Copeland and Dorothy Mae Copeland “Toone”,which preceded him in death along with his brother Joseph Millard Copeland. 

 Kirk graduated from highs school at the age of 18 and continued to college then he joined the Marine Corps. During his free time in the Marine Corps, he was discovered playing basketball and from that a Marine Corps basketball team was formed. For 4 years, Kirk travelled the world playing basketball as his 1st assignment in the Marines. Upon returning, his duties led him to be a well-organized Marine in the Administration Department. After 21 years in the military, he retired as an E6 SSGT and moved his family to Texas where he then developed a passion to become an educator. A man of intellect and integrity, Kirk was a distinguished scholar who perused knowledge with passion and purpose. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and earned his Master's in Education and also obtained his Principal Certification from University of Texas in Arlington, but because he loved his students so much, he chose to continue teaching in the classroom. Kirk also tutored students at Sylvan Learning Centers for 15 plus years before he completely retired 

 Kirk was known to some as brother, husband, pop, PawPaw and Papa Kirk and recently a great pawpaw to Amara. His grandchildren, Kai, Chloe, and Eric Ingerson II, Jordan Ingerson were all fans of PawPaw Kirk and the others were fans of Poppa Kirk.

 Kirk was a man of honor, resilience, and an undeniable zest for life. He enjoyed teaching, sports, and dressing to impress. He could light up any room with his gregarious personality. His infectious laughter, warm spirit, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. 

 In God‘s perfect timing Kirk met Saundra L Haines Staton, the wife God sent to complete his journey. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and traveling all over the world as he promised he would do during their journey of marriage. Together they visited Dubai, Hawaii, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cancun and one of his favorites The African American Museum of Washington DC in which he spent two days reading every article and viewing every artifact. Thankfully during God’s perfect timing a pivotal moment in his life he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

 Kirk is survived by his loving wife Saundra L’Trice Copeland and his bonus children Sheldon Staton (Ashlee), Sharldon Staton( Fiancé Joanna) Biological son Kirk E Copeland II (Geolaina )aka”Jo”and his Sisters, Karen Lovell and Judy Copeland, Karen Tachibana his former wife, mother to his son and bonus daughter Mia Carvalho-Ingerson who continued to support him during the journey of his illness that ultimately ended his life’s journey rather suddenly and unexpectedly.

 As we remember his life and legacy, we can still hear his laughter echoing in our hearts. Kirk Edward Copeland lived a life of love, faith, and generosity. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. His legacy continues in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared. Kirk was deeply loved by all who knew him.

 Kirk would want everyone to know that he is now resting in the Father's arms and eagerly awaits the day to reunite with his wife and loved ones. "I’ve lived, I’ve learned, and now I shall receive my crown."