Cynthia Ann Copeland was born in Princeton, Indiana on June 10, 1950 to Phyllis (Dixon) Hardiman and Robert Gooch.

Surrounded from birth with a loving family she became the adopted daughter of James and Dorothy Priestly. Cynthia attended Anderson High School and before graduation had met her future husband.

Cynthia became a member of the family of God early in her life and was a worshipper who trusted in Christ as her everything. She was a proud member of the Mount Olive Galilee M.B. Church, but found herself at home in any setting that glorified God. As a member of the church she served on the Mother’s Board, Choir, Nazarene M.B. Church Ladies Bible Study, and in any capacity where she was needed. Her word of encouragement was to have the “faith the size of a mustard seed, and watch God provide.”

Cynthia and Robert “Bob” Copeland were united in holy matrimony on August 16, 1968. To this union three sons were born and a total of four children were nurtured as one family unit. As an equal partner in her marriage she found employment at Whirlpool, ResCare, and Visiting Nurse Plus, serving from a line worker to management. Her strength was her ability to understand and value people at their level of life. Friends knew her as an encourager, loving, a faith warrior, and a woman with resilience.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis, Dorothy and James; Christian mentor and aunt, Barbara McIntyre; a sister, Sherry Chavis, mother –in-law Mary Katherine Copeland, and father-in-law Horace (Christine) Copeland, a grandchild, and other precious family members.

She is celebrated by her devoted and loving husband, Robert, Sr.; father, Robert Gooch of Edwardsville, IL; sons, Robert, Jr. (Luisa), Jerry “Jake” (Davina) of Tempe, AZ, Michael (Lynda), and Rodney (Tresa) of Boston, MA; stepfather, Charles Hardiman of Princeton, IN; sisters, Shirley (Harvey) Baker, Elizabeth (Rev. Floyd) Edwards of Anderson, IN Debra (Dave) Mellor of Princeton; Robbie (Eric) Thomas, Lakonda and Gail Priestly, Debbie Jackson; brother, Mark (Ann) Priestly; in-laws, Linda Hughes, Mary Copeland, James Copeland, Beverly Lee, Horace Copeland, Jr., Nellie Owens and Kim McNeal; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives; a loving church family and an additional family in Phoenix, AZ.; and two furry sons, Rally Ray and Lincoln.