Obituary

Elizabeth "Betty" Copeland Slocum

November 19, 1944 - June 29, 2024

Elizabeth "Betty" Copeland Slocum, a resident of Gillsburg, MS, passed from this life peacefully on June 29th with her family at her side. She was 79 years old. Betty was born in Magnolia, MS to Marion and Madge Walker Copeland. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1962. While growing up she enjoyed helping her Dad, Grand-Dad and Brother with outdoor chores and her favorite pastime was fishing. 

After marrying James Slocum in 1980, they resided in Kentwood, LA where they owned and ran City Cafe for 20 years. They then moved back to the home-place in Gillsburg. 

Betty worked for Bernell McGehee, CPA until 2020. She was a very outgoing, friendly and benevolent person, even when she didn’t have extra herself. She was a faithful member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and dearly loved every pastor she ever had. She served as church clerk for many years and used her love for cooking to serve the Lord in her church and community. She loved gospel music and would travel far and wide to hear a “good” group. She served her community as coordinator of the Gillsburg Parade for many years and a very happy day was when she was selected as the Grand Marshall of the parade. 

She is survived by her children, Stephanie Blades (Larry), Tammy Tackett (Eugene), Jamie Slocum (Kelly), Bryan Slocum; grandchildren, Heather Forrest (Brock), Hunter Blades (Lindsay), Travis Tackett (Haylie), Taylor Slocum Terrell (Blake), Kaden Slocum, Gracie Slocum, Addie Slocum, Alex Slocum; great grandchildren, Jaxon and Madox Forrest, Leighton Blades, Rylee Harmon, and Collins Terrell; siblings, James Copeland (Diane), Dalpha Cupit (Jackie), Marian Dee Havard (Hilton), Donna Wilkinson; special aunt, Emmagene Carter; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by husband, James Slocum; son, Tommy Slocum; grandchildren, Mandy Tackett and Jaylyn Slocum; parents, Marion and Madge Copeland. 

Pallbearers will be Hunter Blades, Brock Forrest, Jaxon Forrest, Madox Forrest, Travis Tackett, Kaden Slocum, and Blake Terrell. 

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Tuesday and at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Gillsburg, MS from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Service conducted by Bro. Larry Blades and Bro. Billy Mathis. Interment in Old Gillsburg Cemetery, Gillsburg, MS. 

The family would like to thank Liberty Community Living Center for their kindness and compassion shown to the us during her last days. We also want to thank St. Luke’s Hospice for their excellent care. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Home, 118 Lowe Road, Laurel MS 39443 or a charity of your choice.