Isiah Copeland

Our beloved Isiah DeShawn Copeland, born to Sabrina Lynn Copeland, took his first breath on December 23, 1988. On August 4th, 2023 at the young age of 34 he entered into God’s kingdom surrounded by his loved ones after a hard fought battle with Crohn’s Disease and chronic kidney failure. Isiah accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of NewBirth Church of Lithonia, GA. Anyone who knew Isiah can tell you he was analytical, witty, creative, artistic and a multitalented, vibrant young man gone too soon. He had a love for music, cars, tv documentaries, HGTV home remodeling programs, sports, and fashion. He had an impressive ability to recall sports statistics better than most, and a champagne taste for fashion, with a beer budget! Isiah lived a life full of joy and passion and his family meant more to him than words can describe. He was a devoted son, a protective and kind grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. His outgoing personality often made him the friend you could call when in need. He made you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and reminded you to live life to the fullest. Isiah graduated from Martin Luther King High School in Lithonia, GA and went on to study music at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, where he was inspired to exemplify the values of a Man of Morehouse and was a member of the prestigious Morehouse College Glee Club. Isiah is survived by his beloved Mother Sabrina Copeland; Grandmother Mary Armstrong; GrandAunties Tina Gary, Joyce Jamerson, and Brenda Floyd; Aunties Tammy Young, Marcel Copeland and Andrea Lewis; Uncle Aaron and (wife) Julissa Copeland; Auntie-cousin Dorothy Dickerson; Sister-cousins Chenell Young, and Nicole Banks; Cousins Julian Copeland and Niya Young; his dedicated God-mother Nichelle Gallon; God-sister Jazmine Barnes; Surrogate Aunties Jackie Newman, Kim Lynn, Susan Polain, Nicole Shaw, Montrae Williams, Sophia White and Tesa Johnson; Best Friend Darius Malone, and a host of other friends, including Luke Kate, Alaia Emalee Hendrix, Tyrone Pollard and Raia Holden Strickland. Isiah is welcomed into God’s kingdom by his late Grandfather Elbert (Buddy) Copeland; Great-Auntie Katherine Britt; and Great-Uncles Leonard Copeland and Mason Miller. In Isiah’s Words , written by Isiah Copeland “In Isiah Words” November 15th, 2018 I was suspended from college following the spring 2009 semester. I was not the best student. I'm still not the best student, but I am Morehouse material. When I was accepted to Morehouse College, I felt like that was the finish line, I had no more to accomplish, I was very wrong. I relaxed my standards and lost the drive to succeed while at Morehouse, causing my probation and separation from the college. Since that time I had made immediate strides to return, but I had too much pride to humble myself. I enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College where I started off on a good foot, but my pride and my shame in being separated from the only school I had applied to out of high school made me feel as if the work was beneath me and I wavered through much of the 6 semesters I attended. Also during that time, life hit me pretty hard, I had been unemployed and evicted, even arrested. I went through depression and questioned why I couldn't get right, but about 2 years ago I realized that I was in control of my fate, I stopped dwelling on my mistakes and I began to use the values instilled in me from Morehouse Men and the college. I knew I hadn't finished what god blessed me with - a chance at graduating from Morehouse College. Over the past 2 years, I have gotten my life back on path, established permanent employment in property management, a stable home of my home and re-established my credit. I humbled myself and acknowledged that I was my own worst enemy. I began going back to my old high school, connecting with the Morehouse Man who encouraged me to go in the first place (Dr. Derek Willis, class of 89) and began to speak with students at my old high school about how to avoid the pitfalls that distract you in college. I continued to excel in my career of music, writing for artists and performing with The Atlanta Opera and Springer Opera House. I just recently helped my younger cousin apply and get admitted into Spelman College, she is my biggest motivation to finish, because I inspired her to go to the AUC. I know it is a long shot and I know the committee would be gambling a chance with me, but as Pastor Donnie McClurkin sang; we fall down, but we get up. I have fallen down, but I haven't given up and I pray that the committee sees the passion and drive there to accomplish a goal that I thought had passed me by, becoming a Morehouse Man. I thank you for your consideration. Special Thanks Emory Hospital at John Creek's staff and ICU Nurse Andrea Emory Hospice staff and Nurse Joy Emory Dialysis Center at Greenbriar Ellard Community Neighbors Service entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory-South DeKalb-404.241.5656

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Isiah Copeland

December 23, 1988 - August 4, 2023