Melba Fraley Copeland

Melba Fraley Copeland of Collinwood was born August 2, 1940 in Collinwood, TN the daughter of the late Charles Buck and Lorene Hill Fraley. Mrs. Copeland died at her home near Collinwood Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the age of 74 years and 8 months. In addition to her parents, Mrs Copeland was preceded in death by her husband Aaron Copeland, a son, Darryl L. Fraley, two brothers, Junior Fraley and Jimmy Fraley, a sister, Jean Reaves. Melba held many positions in the county including 14 years working for the school system and also working in the nursing department at Wayne Medical Center. She later became a drug and alcohol counselor for the State of Tennessee working in connection with the sheriff's department. For 14 years Melba served as a Wayne County Commissioner. During her tenure as commissioner she served on several committies including 6 years on the Board of Directors of Mental Health serving 11 counties. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church but presently attended Collinwood Church of God.

She is survived by a son, Dwayne Copeland and wife Kimberly of Florence, AL, four grandchildren, Tyler Copeland, Ryan Copeland, Dawson Copeland, and Ashley Frayley, a brother, R.B. Fraley of Iron City, TN, and a sister, Jane Fraley of Collinwood, TN, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Collinwood Memorial Gardens with Shawn Moore officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors is assisting the family. Pallbearers are Tyler Copeland, Ryan Copeland, Dawson Copeland, Chad Reaves, Michael Reaves, and Brandon Adams.