ENROLLED
2020 First Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 21
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Dr. Birdex
Copeland, Jr.
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland was born in Holly, Louisiana in 1943 to Birdex, Sr. and
Viola Wilson Copeland; he was one of seven children born to this union; Dr. Copeland grew
up in Mansfield, where he attended the local schools during his formative years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Grambling
State University, a master of social work from Atlanta University, and a doctorate degree
from Kansas State University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland served as a professor at Grambling State University
throughout his career; he also served as head of the Department of Sociology and dean of
the School of Social Work during his tenure; upon his retirement, Dr. Copeland was named
Dean Emeritus of Grambling's School of Social Work, an honor that recognized his impact
in the Grambling community, North Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, nationally, and
internationally; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland also served his community in many other capacities
outside of his work at the university; he was chairman of the Grambling Legends Square
Taxing District, which played a pivotal role in the construction of the Legends Square
Shopping Center in Grambling; he was also a member of the Grambling Economic
Development Corporation, which works to drive economic development in the city, and
served on the Grambling city council; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland was chairman of the board of directors of the Shreveport
Federal Credit Union/Grambling Credit Union and was proud to represent the credit union
movement for over forty years; his work as chairman earned him an induction into the
African-American Credit Union Coalition Hall of Fame in 2016; and
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WHEREAS, in addition to his tireless work towards economic development of his
community, Dr. Copeland was a deacon at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Grambling and
served as both the church treasurer and a youth Sunday school teacher for many years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland is survived by his wife, Lolita Collins Copeland; children,
Brian Mandel Copeland and Beryl Copeland Washington, and her husband Leonardo;
siblings, Charles Copeland, and his wife Wanda, Bettye Copeland, Mary Ellen Copeland,
and Gloria Copeland Jones, and her husband Donald; granddaughters Virginia Allison and
Lea Bryanna Copeland; and a host of other relatives; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Copeland employed his personal academic successes towards the
betterment of his community; his selfless commitment to serve others is worthy of the
highest recognition; he will be deeply missed.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death on Dr.
Birdex Copeland, Jr.; does hereby offer sincere appreciation to Dr. Copeland for his selfless
commitment to ensuring the betterment of the Grambling community; and does hereby
extend sincere hopes and wishes that his family and friends find comfort knowing that he
has returned to his heavenly home to be with God the Father.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Dr. Birdex Copeland, Jr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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