With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anne Vernon Zefo Copeland, 77, of Simpsonville, SC. She peacefully completed her journey home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Anne was born in Pikeville, Kentucky in 1947. Her early childhood in Pikeville was very important in helping to shape her character and family values. She was one of four daughters to Frank and Elizabeth Vernon. Anne relocated with her family to Orlando, Florida and graduated from Evans High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Florida. Anne embarked on a teaching career that spanned over 30 years with the Orange County School System. She taught most of her career at West Orange High School. Starting with typing and moving into Business Education. Her deep love for teaching and belief in every student’s potential left a lasting mark. She was recognized for her accomplishments as an educator winning the 2002 Disney Teacherrific Award. She retired from teaching in 2009.
Outside of teaching, Anne was a talented sewing enthusiast. She used her creativity and skills to craft beautiful handkerchiefs, clothing and quilts. Anne loved sharing her passion for sewing with friends and family. Her hands were skilled in crafting one-of-a-kind memories for those she loved. She was a member of Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. She loved traveling, cruising and living life each day with a smile. Anne’s zest for life was contagious.
Anne is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years James “Ed” Copeland or affectionately known as “Poppy”. Her best friend and partner through life. She leaves behind her two loving sons, Derek and wife Beth Zefo, and Joshua and wife Melora Copeland. Anne or “Granny A” was a loving and proud grandmother to Josphine “Josie” Zefo, William Zefo, Ethan Copeland and Aaron Copeland.
Anne is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth (Vernon) and husband Dee Parsons and Martha (Vernon) Spindler. Her cousins and spouses are Dorothy (Clukey) Smith, Lyon Jr. and Norma Hutcherson and many other beloved relatives and friends who loved her dearly. Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Frank Vernon,; mother, Elizabeth Vernon; sister, Francis (Vernon) Cline; her cousin, Betty Brashear, wife of Dick Brashear and Libby and Herb Zachari.
Please join the family as we gather to honor Anne's life, celebrate the cherished memories, lessons she taught, and the joy she brought to all of us. We will honor Anne with a celebration of life service, funeral procession and burial on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The family will receive friends at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals at 420 Love Avenue, Tifton, with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM. We will proceed over to Oak Ridge Cemetery for the burial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Anne’s honor to the American Sewing Guild. Donate to www.asg.org/product/donate, whose mission is to advance sewing as an art and life skill, from education initiatives to charitable sewing initiatives like Sewing Acts of Kindness programs encouraging the health benefits of sewing. Donations can also be made to the Sjogren’s Foundation at www.sjogrens.org in her name.