When you arrive at Marshall Copeland’s home, you will be greeted by a dog named Beauty and about ten chickens. Beauty will stare at you for about 2 minutes and then proceed to run into her doghouse, not making a sound. She feels safe at home, and she should. Inside the house is the Marshall of our Time and his lovely wife. At 90 years young, he does not miss a beat and will put the young folk to shame. He is still cooking, driving to Fort Benning and going to the community center twice a week. Meanwhile, some of us haven’t checked our mail in three weeks. I had the pleasure earlier this year of driving him to one of his family members’ funeral in Newnan along with my Uncle. It was an enlightening trip, and I learned so much about him being in the military. Our last stop back to Harris County was to get some food for his chickens. Marshall Copeland is always caring and looking out for others even when he doesn’t have to.

So, who is this Marshall of our time? Marshall Copeland was born December 19, 1927, in Harris County, Georgia. He was my grandmother’s older brother, and they were the best of friends. As a child, I can always remember my grandmother laughing for hours when he would come to visit. He would knock on the screen door and say, “Lizbeth home” in his calm voice and she would say “Come on in Marshall”. Marshall Copeland is the proud husband to Margariete Copeland, caring father of four children and loving grandfather of six. He attended Atlanta Technical College for two years and Atlanta Metropolitan College for two years.  At the age of 22, Marshall Copeland joined the United States Army and served for 22 years and six months. After retiring from the army, he worked as a correctional officer. Marshall Copeland went on to work at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and retired from the AJC twice!! He continued to work; his last job was in his 70’s he worked as a Bailiff at Harris County Courthouse. He now spends his days with his family, Beauty and the chickens. Every career he has worked, he worked in excellence. He would have it no other way.

Marshall Copeland is a hard worker who loves his family. For the past 18 years, he has sponsored the annual family reunion. He is always one of the firsts to arrive and one of the last people to leave. This year he added a special touch by providing pens with the family name on them. Since he does things in excellence, he did not give out 45 pens or even 100 pens. It was well over 150 pens everybody was able to take a pen or two home. He does all these things never wanting recognition or the spotlight. He enjoys going to church and fellowshipping with his church members at New Life Community Church.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a Marshal is a “city law officer entrusted with particular duties.” My definition of a Marshal is Marshall Copeland someone who gives, works hard and operates in excellence. The question to you is who is the Marshall of your family? A well-respected Elder who has given such a great deal in this world. Take time to go visit them, give them a call, or see if they need a helping hand. They have given so much and it would be great for you to give back to them. God Bless.

Chernika Carter