Anita Louise Oakley Copeland, lovingly known as “Nina” and “Mema,” peacefully passed from this life on October 16, 2025. She was 98 years old.
Born in Hico, Texas, on August 3, 1927, Anita grew up with a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty and the simple joys of life. She graduated from Hico High School and went on to attend the Texas Women’s College in Denton, where she studied Home Economics-a perfect fit for a woman whose grace, creativity, and love made her home warm and welcoming.
Anita married Gilbert Paul Copeland, on September 26, 1948. Together they built a life filled with laughter, faith, and love that extended to all who knew them.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Anita poured her heart into caring for her family and nurturing her garden. She had a gift for bringing life and color into the world around her through her beautiful flowers, thriving plants and trees, and her gentle wisdom and kindness that touched so many lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert Paul Copeland; her parents Dorothy Nell Jones Oakley and Jess Harvey Oakley; her brother Stanley Oakley; and her grandson Jarrett Stacy.
Anita is survived by her son Gary Copeland and wife Janie of Fort Wayne, Indiana and daughter Nancy Harris and husband Randy of Morton Valley. She is lovingly remembered by her granddaughters Shelly Wallace and husband Kirk of Abilene, and Ginger Bunn and husband Chase of Cross Plains; and two great-granddaughters, Haley and HannahWallace.
Those who knew Anita will remember her as a woman of quiet strength, strong faith, enduring grace, and deep compassion. She found beauty in simple things-a blooming rose, a sunny day, decorating a cake, painting or time spent laughing with those she loved most. Her spirit, like her garden, will continue to grow and bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas, on Monday, October20th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.Graveside services will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas, on Tuesday, October 21st, at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Ray Rodgers.
Anita’s family would like to thank all who have shown love and support. Her memory will forever be a blessing.
