Mary Etta Copeland was born in Mississippi to Isaac and Estella Patterson. She was the youngest of their four children. In 1962, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Each summer, she returned to Mississippi with her children to visit family and friends.

Mary worked a number of jobs before joining the Kellogg Company in a production role. She remained with Kellogg for 29 years before retiring in 2000.

After retiring, Mary enjoyed planting flowers in her front yard and growing vegetables in her backyard. She also took part in monthly retirees' luncheons, and senior community activities. She enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, playing checkers, and watching game shows.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She taught her children to trust God, read the Bible, and pray. She was a faithful member of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, where she served under the leadership of Pastors John H. Whittington and Terry Arvie. She served as a deaconess, sang soprano in the Mass Choir and Women's Choir, and participated in Sunday School and Bible Study.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Isaac Patterson, and George Patterson; her daughter, Elvira Howard; and her grandchildren, LaTasha Jenkins and Dana Jenkins.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Diane Jenkins, Belinda Ross, Candace Howard, and Ronita Bowser; her sister, Cora Etta Jones; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services will be held on Thursday (6/11/2026) at Power House Church. Visitation from 10 - 11 am with Memorial Service at 11 am.