Julie Ann Copeland, 67, of Calvert City, Kentucky, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Julie was born on September 13, 1958, in Murray, Kentucky, to the late Norman Ray English and Shirley Burke English. Having been raised in Marshall County her whole life, Julie was a 1976 graduate of Marshall County High School. Her fascination for both history and politics led her to later attend Murray State University, where she graduated Suma Cumilaude and received her Master’s Degree, majoring in History and German Political Science.
Julie was not a stranger to hard work. From the young age of 13 and up into her mid-40’s, she spent many years working as a waitress at Kentucky Maid, Patti’s Settlement, and a variety of other local restaurants. She also spent many years working as a Program Manager for the Veterans Administration, and later went to work for several years at the Salvation Army before officially retiring. During these years, she also found many ways to donate or volunteer her time with various groups and organizations. She served as the secretary of the Democratic Party, volunteered to be on the committee for the Division of Reentry Services, helping inmates transition back to society, along with many other organizations. With her generous and kind heart, Julie also made it a point to always go out of her way to help others and loved fighting for the underdogs.
Outside of her strong compassion for others, Julie was passionate about many things in life. She loved being outdoors, camping, and going fishing. Having a competitive spirit, she always enjoyed a good trivia game with family and friends, and may have been known to cheat a time or two if it meant that she would win. She also had a huge love for music, and throughout the years, even taught herself how to play multiple instruments. She was a massive UK Basketball fan and loved supporting and cheering for “her Cats.” Even her grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart, were all coached by Julie while they were babies to try to make their first words “Go Cats!” Undoubtedly, her love for UK Basketball was obvious to anyone who knew her, and in her house, “Cat season was always open.”
She is survived by her two daughters, Regan Emerson (Ryan) of Calvert City and LeaAndrea “Andee” York of Calvert City; her stepdaughter, Anessa Turner of Calvert City; her stepson, Damon Turner of Texas; one sister, Kellie Harrell (Jeff) of Calvert City; one brother, Doug Hinshaw (Carolyn) of Gibson City, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Clay Emerson, London Emerson, Kinsley Crisp, Nolan Crisp, Jaden Turner, Lily Edging, Bella Franklin, and Silas Franklin; one great-grandchild, Raylan Thomasson; and several very close nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her partner of 22 years, Mark Turner; her two sisters, Sherry Barrett and Cindy Hinshaw; and her parents, Norman and Shirley English.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to A Soldier's Heart, Bluegrass and Muddy Waters, P.O. Box 357, Benton, KY 42025.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Pastor Dawn Choate officiating. Burial will follow at Peck Cemetery.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Julie’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.
