Sue Copeland

Carol Sue Copeland, 78, of Cookeville passed away Wednesday January 19th at Cookeville Regional Medical Center from complications of COVID pneumonia. Sue was born September 8, 1942 in Livingston, Tennessee to the late Como and Gladys Hicks Franklin. She is survived by her husband Dr. Steve Copeland D.V.M. and sons Dr. Scott Copeland M.D. (Mona) and Steven R. Copeland, all of Cookeville; grandchildren, Hayden, Blair, Morgan, Tate, Jessica, Kayla and Ryan; former daughter-in-law Vickie Bell; sisters, Pat Copeland of Livingston, Linda White of Livingston and Rita Cantrell of Oak Ridge; and many brother and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. She grew up in Livingston, Tennessee and excelled academically, was well liked and had many friends. She was a cheerleader for Livingston Academy High School. Sue and Steve married at age 19 and Sue worked to support Steve through college at Tennessee Tech University and the Veterinary School at Auburn University, all while raising their young sons. When Steve completed his education at Auburn, the family returned to the Upper Cumberland, settled in Cookeville and established Copeland Veterinary Hospital. Sue was instrumental in the success of the practice and essentially did everything including managing the front desk, keeping the books, and assisting in the treatment areas as well as the kennel. Steve has always said that he gives credit to Sue for the success of Copeland Veterinary Hospital. Sue and Steve had many close friends over the years and enjoyed the many trips they had and the time spent with their friends. Sue was meticulous in everything that she did whether it was keeping a clean house and a well-trimmed yard or planning family trips. Many have said that Sue was a beautiful woman but could be intimidating because she could outwork any man. She was a true matriarch of the family and was never shy to give her opinion on any subject. Sue was a member of First Christian Church in Livingston. She was an avid bridge player and was in many bridge clubs over the years. She loved to read and could devour a novel or biography in record time. Sue loved being with her family and cherished the fun times that were had at the family farm in the Alpine area of Overton County. She loved sports and enjoyed attending the University of Tennessee (UT) football games. She and Scott would stay up past midnight and watch the delayed broadcasts of UT basketball games before the era of watching the games live on cable networks. She enjoyed the family snow ski trips as well as water skiing and boating at Center Hill Lake. She was an excellent cook and her grandchildren always looked forward to going to Ma-Sue's house for dinner. She loved being with her grandchildren and they fondly remember the times they spent the night with Ma-Sue and being spoiled by her. Some of their favorite memories include the times all the kids would pile into her Lincoln Town Car and she would drive them around town, go to the movies, and then to Dairy Queen for ice cream. Sue will be missed greatly by her family. However, she had a large life and left many wonderful memories for her family and friends. As a precaution due to COVID, a Celebration of Life service will be planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Putnam County Humane Society, www.humanesocietyofputnamcounty.org, or the CRMC Foundation, www.cookevilleregionalcharity.org. The family wishes to thank all of the nurses and staff at CRMC that assisted in her care. A special thanks to Patty Tayes for her many years of assistance to Sue. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.