Dorothy "Dottie" Pinder Copeland

November 12, 1929 - January 17, 2021

Dorothy “Dottie” Pinder Copeland 1929-2021 Dorothy “Dottie” Pinder Copeland, much beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother and faithful friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ January 17, 2021. Dottie was Bahamian, an Island Girl, Bahama Mama. She was born in Nassau, Bahamas November 12, 1929 to Mildred and Hubert Pinder. Dottie was raised in a large family of eleven children -- 5 brothers & 5 sisters: Etoile, Gloria, Audrey, Hubert, Shirley, Philip, Therese, Robert, Gregory, & Roger and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Dottie’s parents gave her many ancestral influences stretching from the Caribbean to England, to France and more. When Dottie came to the United States, she reunited with her soon to be husband William “Bill” Wallace Copeland. She studied hard, fulfilled the requirements to proudly become a naturalized citizen of the U.S.A. As newlyweds Dottie & Bill first lived in New Orleans which provided Dottie with more influences of French, Creole and Cajun. After Dottie’s first child, Lana, was born they moved to Houston, Texas. Dottie would have three more children: William Gregory (Greg), David (deceased), and Roslin. They lived in the Heights of Houston and quickly became involved in a local church, Woodland Baptist Church, where Dottie became incredibly active in hosting and cooking for many southern home-style potluck dinners and large banquets. She attended Woodland for over 50 years and was in charge of the church Nursery for many years. Dottie and Bill traveled all over, but Dottie’s favorite, #1 place, always was, always will be the Bahamas. Dottie was the ideal 1950/60’s mom, driving her children to and from school, becoming involved in most of the things her children participated in, taking them regularly (and often most of the team) to sporting events or church activities and outings. She encouraged her children to explore the world. After her children all entered their teens, Dottie started doing more creative things for herself: Arts, crafts, sewing, painting, Dottie’s Dolls, gardening/planting flowers including her favorite, the Hibiscus. She became a collector. She collected everything: antique dolls; Hummel figurines; plates; jewelry; you name it… Dottie created her own catering business (DOTTIE'S CATERING) and became famous for her delicious wedding cakes and swank lavish parties and dinners. She developed an eclectic style of cooking and infused it with ever-growing influences that she claimed as her own. Dottie loved to bowl; loved the Houston Colt .45s which became the Houston Astros, and she could tell you the names of each player back in the day; loved the Houston Oilers. She played Dominoes (42 and 70) - at minimum weekly gatherings; The Robert Browning Study Club; the “Madonnas”; the Skip-Bo Group; and many more groups of which she was a member and participated and/or hosted regularly. Dottie’s all-time favorite and most rewarding pursuit was her time with community service. She served the many senior living centers in her community. She always said she wanted them to enjoy life and have something special during every monthly celebration and every holiday. She would craft and create festive decorations and fabulous food and serve the seniors in her community to make each and every time unforgettable! If you have not noticed or heard, Dottie’s favorite entertainer is Elvis. If you had visited her recently, you would often find her next to her life-size cutout of Elvis next to her door. Dottie never met a stranger which was influenced by her lovely smile and the gift of gab. She enjoyed a life well lived with an abundance of joy. She was a living magnet to family, friends, and strangers alike. She loved her life, and her life loved her back. Dottie gave her joy and enthusiastic greeting to all she met, and we encourage each of you to pass it along. Dottie was preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years William Wallace Copeland, and her son, David Copeland. Dottie is survived by three children - daughter, Lana Copeland Hardy and her husband Jimmy of Atlanta, GA; her son, William Gregory Copeland and his wife Michelle of Pine Island, Texas; her daughter Roslin Copeland and Ginger Hurley of Pine Island, Texas; and 2 grandsons – David Edward and William Daniel Hardy and Daniel’s wife Tiffany, of Atlanta, GA. Celebration of Dottie’s life will be via ZOOM – Day and Time to be determined. Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association: Dottie’s Tribute Page https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=662454&fr_id=1060&pg=fund Or Mail: P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; or call 1.800.272.3900.