Cheryl G. (Speaks) Copeland

On September 22nd, 1954, in Harlem, New York, God, blessed Jean Harrison Brown and Albert Speaks Sr., with Cheryl Gay Speaks.

She accepted Christ at a very young age. Cheryl has accomplished many things in her life, she was a court Stenographer for the Daley Center and worked as a construction manager at K-5 construction for over 35 years.

Cheryl was a strong black woman who spoke her mind.  She was known as "Mama Cheryl”, As she was a mother to everyone who crossed her path. Many people were honored to be in her presence.  She loved to cook her famous turnip and collard greens that would have you begging for more.

Cheryl was a social butterfly and brought constant laughter to everyone she met.  Everyone always went to her for medical advice because of her experience working as the Head Administrator in the Emergency Room at Michael Reese hospital.

She protested for our Civil Rights in the Black Lives Matter Movement and made it to the front page of the Chicago -Sun-Times paper.

She was married to Herman Miles Copeland and to their union two sons were born.

Cheryl G. Copeland received her wings on July 23, 2021.  She was preceded in death by her mom, Jean Miller; Brothers, James Brown Jr., and John Young; aunt, Velma Crecy and husband, Herman Copeland.

She leaves to cherish her memory; Twins, Seneca and Kreshena Speaks, sons, Miles Copeland and Michael Copeland; Brothers, Marcus Speaks and Al Speaks; Sister, Tiandra Speaks; Grandchildren, Destiny Speaks, Jalen Speaks, Marcellus Speaks, Nia Speaks, Janell Speaks, Jaden Speaks, Nelson Speaks, Macaiah Bashford, Cahmani Smith, Mihael Copeland, Khylynn Bashford, Dakota Copeland, Myla Copeland, Malaysia Copeland and Zayden Speaks; Aunt, Cynthia Brown Henley; daughter-in-law, Toniqua Speaks, Brittney Bashford, Deidra Black, Raina Potts; best friends, Harriet Nelson and Wilbert Anderson.

Celebration of life will be 11am, Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Woodruff Chapel 16774 Dixie Hwy, Hazel Crest, IL, with viewing at 10am Saturday, at the chapel. Burial will follow immediately after the celebration of life.

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