Carolyn Jewell Copeland, lovingly known as Carolyn or Grammy, entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at OSU Medical Center at the age of 77. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

Carolyn was born on April 4, 1947, in Merced, California, to Ray B. Shannon and Myrtle Elaine (Maxfield) Shannon. She attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, graduating in 1966. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Tommy Earl Copeland, while visiting with friends. Tommy knew within three dates that Carolyn was the one he would marry, and after she graduated, they were united in marriage on June 1, 1966, at Berryhill Assembly of God. Just a few days later, Tommy graduated from high school, marking the beginning of their lifelong journey together.

During high school, Carolyn worked in the jewelry department at the Jubilee Center on Admiral, and later, she spent 25 years cleaning homes. She often helped her husband, Tommy, with his insurance business at the State Farm Agency. As a lifelong asthmatic, Carolyn developed a passion for helping others manage their illnesses. Determined to make a difference, she returned to school and earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy with a 4.0 GPA, receiving a scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence. She worked alongside the doctor who helped her manage her own asthma at St. John Hospital in Tulsa and later at the Osteopathic Hospital (now OSU Medical Center). Carolyn loved her career and was highly respected for her patient care, advocacy, and ability to teach others how to manage their respiratory illnesses. She retired at the age of 70 after 22 years of dedicated service.

Carolyn had a love for learning and reading, often wearing out multiple Kindles as she switched between them while one was charging. She enjoyed watching YouTube and following homesteading channels. She had a green thumb and took great joy in gardening, growing flowers, tomatoes, and peppers with ease. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Carolyn cherished her family, staying connected with them through phone calls and video chats. She especially loved bringing her family together and making cherished memories.

Faith played a central role in Carolyn's life. She and Tommy attended Mingo Assembly of God for many years before later joining Catoosa Assembly of God. She instilled in her children a deep love for God and a strong foundation in faith, often praying with them at the church altar, holding their hands. Carolyn also believed education was the key to a better life. She ensured her children received a private education, helped them with their homework and book reports, and taught them the value of learning—lessons they, in turn, passed on to their own children.

Carolyn was strong, tough, beautiful inside and out, kind, generous, loving, independent, and an excellent organizer. She dedicated her life to serving others, whether through her career, her faith, or her unwavering support of her family.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Kyle William Conder; and her siblings, Albert Shannon, Ruth Hudson, Buddy Shannon, and Bobby Shannon.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 59 years, Tommy; her children, Mary Conder and husband, David, of Tulsa, and Tommy "Stephen" Copeland and wife, Michelle, of Pittsburgh; her grandchildren, Maura Salemka and husband, Nate, Deidra Barkman and husband, Christopher, Dathan Conder, and Kayden Copeland; and her precious great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Levi.

A funeral service celebrating Carolyn's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 4, in the Jim Groesbeck Memorial Chapel at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service. Her service may be viewed live at https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/111437

Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, an organization close to Carolyn's heart, 4403 S 129th West Ave, Sand Springs, OK 74063 or https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/; or to Disabled American Veterans, 3131 E Pine St, Tulsa, OK 74110, or www.dav.org, honoring her generous spirit and deep respect for those who served.

Though Carolyn's family grieves her passing, they find peace in knowing where she is—rejoicing in her eternal home.