Erma Louise Copeland

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, God called HIS faithful warrior, “Erma Louise Riddick Copeland Overton”, from her earthly home to eternal rest. She was born in Edenton, NC on January 5, 1948 to the late James Matthew Riddick Sr. and Erma Lee Riddick.

Erma was a beautiful spirit. She loved going to church and serving GOD. She was a minister and member of Believers Victory Center and Kadesh  A.M.E Zion church both of Edenton, NC. She had an extreme passion for singing. She sung in the church choir, participating in weddings, Sing-O-Ramas and was just an all-around servant leader. She enjoyed reading, public speaking, and arts and crafts. Serving the community was very important to Erma, and in doing so, she became a Boy Scout Leader and an active member of the NAACP.

Erma graduated from DF Walker High School in 1966. She attended Elizabeth City State University from 1983-1985, and attended the Institute of Children’s Literature in Danbury, Connecticut where she excelled and later graduated in 1987. She published short stories for Sweet Pickles children’s books, and was employed with Wachovia Bank, Dr. Johnny Hortons’ Dental Office, a Garment District Buyer in New York City, and a Legal Assistant at Bridal Shop located at that time on Broad Street in Edenton, NC. She retired in 1996 and moved to Columbus, GA where she became an inventor, and patented the “Splash Reducing Panels” for commodes. In 2004 she finally settled in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she could be closer to help her daughter and son.

Erma Louise Riddick Copeland Overton was preceded in death by her parents, James Matthew Riddick Sr. and Erma Lee Riddick; daughter, April Michelle Cole; her siblings, James Riddick Jr.; Thelma Riddick Nixon; Joseph Riddick; Margo Wills Brothers; and Joseph Wills.

She is survived by her husband, George Overton; son, Samuel Christopher Copeland; son-in-law, Maurice D. Cole Sr.; grandson, Maurice D. Cole II. (CJ); siblings, Flossie Riddick Robbins; Melvin Riddick (Carolyn); George Riddick; Loretta Riddick White (Shelton); Gloria Riddick Sharpe (Marc); Rosie Riddick Coleman (Dana); Kenneth Riddick; Vernice Riddick Faison (Calvin); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M at Gateway Funeral Home. Another visitation, Friday March 11, 2022, 12:00 P.M. until the hour of service at 2:00 P.M, also at Gateway Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are under the care of Gateway Funeral Home & Cremation Center. 335 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: (931) 919-2600. Online condolences may be made by visiting our website, gatewayfh.com.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help. My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2.