Peggy Ann Copeland

On November 21, 2022, Peggy Ann (Autry) Copeland passed away at the age of eighty-six in Tuttle, OK.

Peggy was born on September 19, 1936, in Rush Springs, OK. Her father Earl Autry and her mother, Bessie (Gore) Autry moved to Tuttle in 1944. They owned and operated a grocery store and gas station seven miles East of Tuttle. Peggy was one of nine Autry children.  Peggy graduated from Tuttle high school in 1954 where she met the love of her life, Bill Copeland at the age of fifteen. They were married in Tuttle on March 25, 1955.

Peggy and Bill moved to Oklahoma City and began their life together.  They decided to settle in Tuttle, not far from the old country store her parents owned. By 1963 they were a family of five and along  with being a full-time mother, Peggy worked with the family raising parakeets. (This side family “bird” business helped fund family vacations and college savings.) While working at Weight Watchers for 25 years, she served and helped many others, which was a lifelong passion. Peggy and Bill have been long time members of the Tuttle First United Methodist Church which they have attended since their youth.

Peggy’s heritage and Autry family traditions were always an important part of her life. She continued her mother’s tradition of gathering twice a year, on Christmas Eve and Easter Eve, with all her siblings and their families. There have been up to one hundred fifty attending these events, which Peggy would say “it’s too many”! In 1999, Peggy and Bill built a barn which then became the event center for these annual Autry family gatherings. Peggy recalled one of the Saturday Easter events they counted seven hundred eggs for the egg hunt. She was a wonderful host, always with quick wit. The entire family treasures many memories and laughs from these events.

Peggy and Bill enjoyed remodeling and working together on several projects. A recent project was converting an old railroad boxcar into a guest home. Another remodeling project was their old farmhouse at Lake Eufaula, which became a gathering spot for family. Peggy was always up for a garage sale, antiquing, sand bass fishing and watermelon! Peggy and Bill also enjoyed traveling across the country and abroad over the years.

The family would like to thank Julie Chadwick, Briley Chadwick and Kari Aydt for their devoted care of Peggy.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 67 years Bill, son Bill Copeland and wife Sheri, son David Copeland and wife Kathy, son Steve Copeland and wife Kelly. Grandchildren: Emily Wicoff and husband Joshua, Carlie Copeland, Hannah Copeland, Chad Copeland and wife Heather, Courtney Bolner and husband Brandon, Kristen Irwin and husband Kevin and Kyle Copeland. Great grandchildren: Hayden, McKinley, Paisley, Brynleigh, Duncan, Dakotah, Lyla, Amelia “Millie”, and Josephine; Sister Betty Jean Maney.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents; infant brother Ralph Autry; sister Francis Dunagan; sister Velma Handke; sister Pat Moore; sister Gearline Owens; brother Jerry Autry; and brother Johnny Autry.