Barbourville, Ky. – Joe Ann (Lay) Copeland, 80, of Gray, passed away March 30, 2022. Joe Ann was the daughter of Richard Alonzo Lay and Dessie West Lay born to them on March 23, 1942, in Artemus, Kentucky.
Joe Ann was the definition of stalwart. She embodied outstanding strength and vigor of the body, mind, and spirit. She was dignified, proud, and genuinely kind. Joe Ann never turned anyone in need of support away. She was known for giving good advice. Caring for others was very important to Joe Ann, especially her children and grandchildren whom she loved fiercely. Joe Ann was a wonderful role model to her family, instilling in them the highest of morals and the importance of respect.
Joe Ann was a social worker for the State of Kentucky, working many years at Comp Care. She also worked as a dietician at Boone Manor Nursing Home. In her spare time Joe Ann enjoyed cooking – two of her most requested dishes were chicken & dumplings and buck eyes. She also loved spending time with her dogs Cocoa, Sammie, and Spuddy and being outside around her flowers. Whenever the opportunity arose for a vacation, Joe Ann preferred to spend time away at the beach in Florida.
Joe Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Alonzo Lay and Dessie West Lay, and her husband James Thomas Copeland. Left behind to mourn her passing is daughter Melissa Ann Copeland Carroll and fiancé Keith Chastain, son James Lee Copeland and fiancé Christy Jordan, sisters Mary Torres and Bonnie Moore (Wayne), brother Richard Alonzo Lay, Jr. (Michelle), and two cherished grandchildren Lauren Ashley Carroll and William Matthew Hibbard Copeland.
A private graveside service is planned for Joe Ann’s beloved family.
Hopper Funeral Home, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, our Directors, Mrs. Bonita Bingham Creech and Mr. Robin Reese, and our staff express our sincere condolences to the family of Joe Ann (Lay) Copeland.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Joe Ann (Lay) Copeland.
