Ernest Alan Copeland, Jr., affectionately known to friends and family as "Midge", entered eternal rest surrounded by God's grace on February 6, 2026 at Trellis Supportive Care Center following a period of illness..

Born in Trenton NJ on October 15, 1952 to Alma and Ernest Copeland, Sr., he was educated in the Trenton Public School system. Midge graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1970. He was a lifelong learner, earning additional continuing education credits and worked as an electrician at the Crest Company in West Trenton, NJ before retiring and moving to North Carolina. After retirement he worked at Lowes Food as a butcher.

Midge's love language was acts of service. He expressed his love most clearly through what he did for others. Whether volunteering faithfully at church, delivering meals with kindness, or quietly escorting family members to medical appointments without hesitation, he found deep purpose in being helpful.

He believed love was best shown through presence, reliability and action. Serving others was never an obligation to him—it was a joy, a calling and a reflection of his Christian faith. Through countless selfless acts both seen and unseen, he made those around him feel supported, valued and deeply loved.

Midge leaves behind a legacy of devotion—to God, to family and to the community. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Eastside Church of Christ.  His life was a living testament to a deep spirit of compassion, quiet grace, and steadfast dedication to those around him.

He will be remembered as a devout Christian, loving husband and cherished friend. He was joyfully married to the love of his life, Phillis Austin Copeland, with whom he shared a life rooted in faith, family and unwavering companionship.

He leaves cherished memories to his wife, Phillis Austin Copeland; daughter, Miracle Williams; bonus daughter, Tieka Austin; grandchildren, Emiliana Montalvo, Eli Williams Tahir Thompson, Tieka Thompson, Trayle Beasley, Tatiana Morris, Tamir Morris and Trenton Harrison; brother Robert Gary Copeland;  special nephews: Robert Gary Copeland, Jr. and Richard Gerald Copeland; special sister-in-law, Rose; aunt and uncles: Carol and Ozzie Robinson and Donald Copeland; special nieces: Sylvia Ebony,Tynaisha and Jazmin Seldon; special cousins: Gregory, Denise, Lisa, and Tracy Leonard; close friends, Larry O'Neal, Michael Ray, George Johnson, Lawrence Peterson; and a host of treasured cousins, additional relatives and friends— each of whom held a special place in his life, especially all His Brothers and Sisters of EQE and DKF Fraternity and Sorority.

Though deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort in knowing that he now rests in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Midge has "fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.

Funeral services will be held Friday February 20, 2026 at 11:30 am at the Eastside Church of Christ, 536 Barbara Jane Avenue Winston-Salem, NC. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-11:30 am at the church. His remains may be viewed Thursday February 19, 2026  from 12pm-5pm at the funeral home.