HLS 201ES-197 ORIGINAL
2020 First Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 21
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences on the death of Dr. Birdex Copeland, Jr.
1 A RESOLUTION
2To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Dr. Birdex
3 Copeland, Jr.
4 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland was born in Holly, Louisiana in 1943 to Birdex, Sr. and
5Viola Wilson Copeland; he was one of seven children born to this union; Dr. Copeland grew
6up in Mansfield, where he attended the local schools during his formative years; and
7 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Grambling
8State University, a master of social work from Atlanta University, and a doctorate degree
9from Kansas State University; and
10 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland served as a professor at Grambling State University
11throughout his career; he also served as head of the Department of Sociology and dean of
12the School of Social Work during his tenure; upon his retirement, Dr. Copeland was named
13Dean Emeritus of Grambling's School of Social Work, an honor that recognized his impact
14in the Grambling community, North Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, nationally, and
15internationally; and
16 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland also served his community in many other capacities
17outside of his work at the university; he was chairman of the Grambling Legends Square
18Taxing District, which played a pivotal role in the construction of the Legends Square
19Shopping Center in Grambling; he was also a member of the Grambling Economic
20Development Corporation, which works to drive economic development in the city, and
21served on the Grambling city council; and
Page 1 of 2 HLS 201ES-197 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 21
1 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland was chairman of the board of directors of the Shreveport
2Federal Credit Union/Grambling Credit Union and was proud to represent the credit union
3movement for over forty years; his work as chairman earned him an induction into the
4African-American Credit Union Coalition Hall of Fame in 2016; and
5 WHEREAS, in addition to his tireless work towards economic development of his
6community, Dr. Copeland was a deacon at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Grambling and
7served as both the church treasurer and a youth Sunday school teacher for many years; and
8 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland is survived by his wife, Lolita Collins Copeland; children,
9Brian Mandel Copeland and Beryl Copeland Washington, and her husband Leonardo;
10siblings, Charles Copeland, and his wife Wanda, Bettye Copeland, Mary Ellen Copeland,
11and Gloria Copeland Jones, and her husband Donald; granddaughters Virginia Allison and
12Lea Bryanna Copeland; and a host of other relatives; and
13 WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland employed his personal academic successes towards the
14betterment of his community; his selfless commitment to serve others is worthy of the
15highest recognition; he will be deeply missed.
16 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
17Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death on Dr.
18Birdex Copeland, Jr.; does hereby offer sincere appreciation to Dr. Copeland for his selfless
19commitment to ensuring the betterment of the Grambling community; and does hereby
20extend sincere hopes and wishes that his family and friends find comfort knowing that he
21has returned to his heavenly home to be with God the Father.
22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
23family of Dr. Birdex Copeland, Jr.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 21 Original 2020 First Extraordinary Session Jefferson
Expresses condolences on the death of Dr. Birdex Copeland, Jr.
Page 2 of 2