Dorothy Faye Copeland, age 86, of Dade City, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.

Dorothy was born on June 23, 1940, in Donalsonville, Georgia, to Virgil Odell Hobbs and Evelyn Estelle Hobbs. In 1948, she moved with her family to Dade City, Florida, where she would make her home and create a lifetime of cherished memories.

Dorothy attended school through the 11th grade. In her younger years, she worked in various occupations centered around customer service, where she made valuable memories and formed lifelong friendships. She later devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker, a role she cherished deeply.

On May 9, 1980, Dorothy married Marcus Copeland in Dade City. Together, they shared many years filled with love, family, and countless memories.

Dorothy loved Jesus Christ first and foremost, and her faith was at the center of her life. She loved going to church and spending time with her family and loved ones. She found joy in gardening and caring for her plants, loved butterflies, enjoyed cooking and eating peppermints, and had a special fondness for collecting rooster décor and wind chimes. She could often be found working crossword puzzles, rocking on the porch while listening to the sounds of nature, or watching the birds enjoy a bath.

Dorothy was a loving, compassionate, independent, and soft-spoken woman. She was a great listener, a dependable friend, and the number one supporter of her family. Her charismatic personality and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. Among her greatest accomplishments was being a mother to her children and a grandmother and great-grandmother to many, roles that brought her immense pride and joy.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Marcus Copeland of Dade City; her children, Tony Hicks (Annie), Lonnie Hicks (Danielle), Marcus Copeland (Tammy), and Patricia Dispenza (Richard); her grandchildren, Kristy Kassabaum, Adam Hicks, Kevin Hicks, Mark Hicks, Kaeleigh Hicks, Jason Hicks, Donald Hough III, Britteny Copeland, Ryan Copeland, Falon Raimondi, Marcus Wayne Copeland, and Kyle Copeland; and her great-grandchildren, Natalie Kassabaum, McKenzie Hicks, Nolan Kassabaum, Kye Hicks, Laykin Hicks, Keeley Kassabaum, Kenah Daniel, Addison Copeland, McKenzie Hough, Logan Malloy, Owen Malloy, Maddison Raimondi, and Carter Copeland. She is also survived by her siblings, Elvie “Grace” Hart, Clinton Odell Hobbs, and John Wayne Hobbs, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other family members whom she loved dearly.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Melvin Ray Hicks (Michele), who passed away on November 4, 2021; and her siblings, Virgil Ray Hobbs, Ralph Lamar Hobbs, Emily “Delores” Hicks, and Carlton Gabriel Hobbs.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6PM - 8PM at Legacy Community Church of God, 14520 21st Street, Dade City, FL 33523.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Legacy Community Church of God, followed by a graveside service. A reception will then be held back at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Hodges Family Funeral Home.

Dorothy leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, family, and cherished memories. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing that she is now at peace and resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.