SUFFOLK—Marjorie Brinkley Copeland, 77, died April 6, 2008.

She was born in Suffolk, the daughter of the late Cherry Anne Byrd Duke and Clifton Junious Duke.

Mrs. Copeland was predeceased by her first husband, William Brinkley; and brothers, Morrison, Marion, Elijah, Louis and Herman Duke.

She retired after 35 years as owner and operator of Oakridge Florist.

She was a member for 60 years at Bethlehem Christian Church.

She later went on to become a member of First Baptist Church and the Adult 7 Sunday School Class.

Survivors include her husband, Benjamin Riddick Copeland Jr.; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Clyde “Bucky” Kelly Jr. and Brenda and Ronnie Shuler, all of Suffolk; sons and daughters-in-law, Clifton Cyrus and Sandra Brinkley of Zuni, Michael and Debbie Brinkley of Chesapeake and William “Billy” and Kathy Brinkley of Zuni; grandchildren, Mary Beth, Jason (Melissa), Ashley, Justin, Casey, Brandon, Lindsay, and Matthew; four great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Shirley and Charlotte Duke of Suffolk; stepchildren, Sheila and Tommy Griffin, Benjamin “Benji”

R. Copeland III and Joyce Copeland, all of Windsor; three step- grandchildren; one stepgreat- grandchild.

A funeral service will be held today at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Christian Church with the Rev. Lindsey Poteat and Dr. Bryan Ray officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, is handling arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Gideon Memorial Bible at P.O. Box 1214, Suffolk, VA 23439-1214 or First Baptist Church at 237 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434.

Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com