Juanita Miller Hedrick Copeland

DALLAS, Texas — Juanita Copeland, 78, passed away in Dallas, Texas of natural causes on June 19, 2012. She is survived by her children, Richard Hedrick and Julie Thorpe (Jayne Vaughn).  She was preceded in death by her husband T.J. Copeland, her father, Johnny Miller, her mother, Edith Carl Miller  and her brothers Gordon, Mike and Phillip. 

 Juanita was born and raised in Wapella, Ill.  She was a sweet, small town girl with a beautiful smile and the deepest dimples you’ve ever seen.  During high school she quickly earned the nickname Itsy, which her classmates and friends continued to use throughout her life.  She was an active member of the choir, FHA, playing snare drum in the band, drama club and was a high school cheerleader. In high school she dated and married Lawrence Hedrick in March 1952. Although they later divorced, together they raised two children.

 Juanita was a devoted mother with a kind heart and a gentle soul. Her favorite days were filled spending time with her children, her family, reading and working crossword puzzles. She laughed often and enjoyed the simple things in life.

 Juanita worked at Country Companies in Bloomington, Ill. and retired in 1982 after 20- plus years.  She moved to Dallas in 1982, where she was eventually joined by her two children. 

 She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. She was a constant joy to her children and the memories they hold dear will always keep her close. At her request there will be no services.  Donations in her memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity (www.Habitat.org)