Mary Copeland, beloved mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, while a patient at Baptist Health Paducah. At the time of her passing, Mary had blessed family and friends with 52 years, 1 month, and 13 days of life.
Mary was born on December 14, 1973, in Princeton, Kentucky, the child of Richard Wallington and Francis Copeland Thomas and Elmo Thomas, Sr. She was a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School and a dedicated employee of Kroger grocery for over 30 years.
Mary was a quiet, humble person who walked softly but carried a big stick. She was extremely devoted to her children, her grandchildren, and her two brothers, who called her their second “mom.” She loved to cook and was known for her strawberry cake. She was a “clean fanatic” but used her downtime watching “Days of Our Lives.”
A faithful member of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah, Mary sang in both the Women’s and the Inspirational choirs. Her love for the Lord and her family was evident wherever she went. On her job, she was known for her warm smile and attentiveness to customers. You would never know when, or if, she was having a bad day because she never let her personal situations affect her service. She had a very uplifting personality.
Preceding Mary in death were her biological father, Richard Wallington, and her parents, Elmo Thomas, Sr. and Francis Copeland Thomas; her grandparents, Robert Earl Copeland and Mary Francis Copeland.
Left behind to cherish precious memories of Mary are Two Sons, Exzavier Copeland, Jamarion Copeland; One Daughter, Fiera Copeland; Seven Grandchildren; Two Brothers, Elmo Thomas, Jr., and Joseph Thomas, all of Paducah; Six Aunts, Carolyn Harris, Dorothy Kenner, Carolyn Quisenberry, Faye Copeland, Connie Copeland, and Alma Nance; One Uncle, Jessie Johnson; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, and Special Friend, Tammy Woods.
Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
uneral Services have been scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, 11:00 AM, at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Stephen Harvey and Reverend Dr. Calvin R. Cole, Sr. will officiate.
Friends may also call on the family at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
