My mother is the most amazing, beautiful and remarkable person I've been blessed to know. Rhema Joyce Copeland came to America as a young woman with no money, family, nor business connections. Her only real possessions were her ambition and unrivaled intellect. She worked cleaning houses in New York to support herself and worked her way through school. She married my father Robert Bruce Ayiteyfio and moved to Georgia. She earned her masters degree and had a long illustrious career in the department of juvenile justice. Along the way she had myself, my brother Brian and my little sister Angela. She sacrificed EVERYTHING for her family and was a paragon of faith, resilience and commitment. She stands in eternity as a shining, brilliant obelisk of honor, strength and excellence. I owe everything I am to you mommy and I will love you and we as your children will love you forever. Our spirits will live together for all time.

Mrs Copeland took me into her group home back in 2008, I was a troubled teen. I’ll never forget the day she picked me up from the dekalb county RYDC, she is introduced herself to me gave me a hug and told me it was going to be alright! She then took me back to her home where she prepared a room for me along with 4 other boys my age. She didn’t have to go above and beyond like she would, making us special meals, or taking us to the park, bowling, and getting us all to school on time. Looking back idk how she did it! She truly has a one of a kind heart! I’ll never forget Mrs Copeland (mama Copeland) as we all called her in the home! Fly high!! 

Best-Richard Sweet 

I have been deeply saddened to learn of Rhema's passing.  I will miss her greatly.  I loved her sweet nature, soft voice, strength, humor, intellect, and integrity.   She was an extremely kind person and one of the very best I have ever known.   

Heaven has another angel.  I love you Rhema.