Margie Green Copeland

Missionary Margie Johnson Green-Copeland transitioned to her heavenly home from her residence in Zuni, VA on the morning of December 26, 2024. She passed peacefully having told her children that she was ready to go to heaven, giving a big smile.

She was born on October 6, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey to Frank Johnson and Josephine Parker Johnson. Margie Green Copeland was the fourth of six children born to this union. She, along with her brothers Frank Jr. and Calvin and sister Estelle were brought to Virginia by their parents. They returned to their home state in 1929 after the stock market crashed. Later, two brothers Joseph "J P" and William "Wilbert" were born. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and each of her siblings, with the exception of her youngest brother Wilbert.

Margie attended Fairview school starting at age five. Often she spoke of her school days. In 1947 at an early age she married a farm laborer, Charlie Green. In this union were twelve children. Still, she found time to work outside the home, at times taking her babies to the cotton fields.

She joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Windsor, VA upon marrying. There she sang in the choir and served on the Missionary Circle. Later she announced the call of God to the ministry. She was licensed by her pastor, Reverend Soloman Diggs who asked, "Who am I to say who God has called?" She expounded the word, preaching at churches where she was invited. She was rejected by some where women were not allowed to speak.

Later she left Shiloh and joined with her siblings who were establishing Walnut Grove Baptist Church. There she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on the Missionary Committee, and served wherever she could with two other churches, Christian Charity and St. Paul Pentecostal Holiness Church. She continued to serve faithfully in the ministry. She then returned to Walnut Grove where she remained until her death.

Margie Green-Copeland was strong in the Lord and had unwavering faith in Him. She preached sermons titled, "He Will Deliver You", "Power From on High", "Ask for the Old Path and Walk There In" and "I Have a Hope." She showed her love to everyone and practiced what she preached. She never felt she didn't have anything to give. She gave of herself time and support to others. She housed ministers and supported others in crisis. She carried the gospel preaching and singing as she did with the Gospel Johnson Singers in her earlier years. She was a prayer warrior, praying for the church, nation and the lost.

Margie Green-Copeland was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-seven years Charlie Green, her second husband Bishop James Copeland, and two children, Charlie Fred Green and, Dorothy G. Copeland.

She leaves to cherish her memories and to carry on her work, her children: Wrencis, Viola, Margie, Howard (Elaine) Leander, Calvin, Evelyn, Charlotte (Mark), Anthony (Wanda), and Gerald (Kathy). Stepchildren, Shelia Spruill and James Copeland, Jr. Grandchildren: Lee, Gary, Michelle, Teresa, William Jr., Terrence, Tamika, Carl, Marco, Sonya, Eugenia, Sharon, Calvin, Christopher, Caylyn, Khalid, Marisa, Nicolas, Maria, Antwain, Jasmine, and Tiffani. Fifteen great grandchildren, five great, great, grandchildren, one brother William Wilbert Johnson, Sr. and a host of nieces, two special nieces, (Odessa Anderson and Floretta Moore), nephews, cousins, and friends, (notably) Elizabeth H. Newby.

On Friday, January 03, 2025, viewing will take place from 3-6 at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 20707 Thomas Woods Trail Zuni, VA 23898 with family and friends reflections from 5-6pm.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30am on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 9000 Fire Tower Rd. Windsor, VA 23487.  Please keep the Green- Copeland family in your prayers.