With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rhema Joyce Copeland, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to all whose lives she touched, on March 3, 2022. She was one of the strongest and kindest women to ever walk this earth and we were blessed to have her as the head of the family.

Rhema was born to the late Brixton Copeland and Agnes Edwards on February 17, 1943, in Clarendon, Jamaica. She was a graduate of Clarendon College and Shortwood Teachers’ College and served for several years as a teacher in her community. Rhema moved to the United States in her early twenties to continue her education, graduating from Rutgers University, with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. In 1972, she met and married Bruce Robert Ayiteyfio, going on to have three children, Robert, Brian, and Angela. She was an inspiration to her only grandchild, Aja and the two shared an incredible bond spending countless days baking and gardening together.

After moving to Atlanta, Ga, Rhema received a master’s degree in Urban Studies from Georgia State University. She was employed for over a decade with the State of Georgia working tirelessly in the Department of Juvenile Justice to advocate for our youth. Retiring in 2005, Rhema opened her own group home in Decatur, Ga supporting the needs of many children in the community.

For over twenty years, Rhema has been a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church. She was an active member of the Order of the Daughters of the King and volunteered for many years preparing and delivering food for those in need until her health prevented her from participating. In her later years, her passion was visiting Jamaica, reconnecting with old school friends and family.

Despite many hardships in her own life, Rhema was known to her family, friends, colleagues, and community as being a positive force. She was kind and softly spoken, always making time to counsel, support, and listen to anyone who needed it.

Rhema was a wonderful and loving mother who gave her all to her family. We will never be able to fill the space left behind by her.

Rhema leaves to cherish her memories, children, Robert, Brian, and Angela. Granddaughter, Aja. Siblings, Sam, Jean, Jasmine, Clive, Loretta, Fay, Pasmore, Yvonne, Urcella, Rita, Elaine (Jennifer), and several others. Nieces and nephews, Jeannette, Christian, Kelton, D.D., Makeitha, Griffith, Grace, Victoria, Roy, Golda, and more throughout Jamaica and England. The entire Copeland, Edwards, Ayiteyfio, Leibbrandt, and Tetteh families, including Barbara Richards and family, Avis Tetteh, and Elizabeth (Naami) Ayiteyfio. She was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Brixton, and her brothers, Durrant and Dunston.

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