Miss you Nana!

Nana’s Legacy


“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

Nancy Laws Copeland was the epitome of the faithful servant to Christ but most importantly to me she was my Nana and one of my best friends. She was a faithful daughter, good wife, loving mother, encouraging friend, loving grandmother and great grandmother. She prayed constantly for her family, her church and her friends. Whenever I, either for me or someone else, needed prayer I would call Nana because I always said she had a direct line to God.

Nana had a quiet, strong utmost faith in her Lord. Despite all she had been through in her life she knew that the Lord would keep his promises to her. Even when the storms and darkness of life would assail her she did not waver. Nana lived through war, social upheaval, and personal strife within her family over the years along with difficult medical issues especially over the last few years. Despite all of these tribulations, Nana’s strength was truly in the Lord. Watching her handle the challenges in her life has given me strength in my own journey. Her strength was a blessing to all of us.

Nana leaves three children, two sons in law, a daughter in law, two daughters of her heart, three grandchildren and a great grandson– all of whom were much loved. Nana was proud of every one of us – she always knew what was special about each of us. Nana loved that we were each our own person with our own strengths and weaknesses. Nana’s constant prayer of hope for each of us was that we find the same kind of personal relationship with the Lord she experienced. Nana believed in the promises made by Jesus and knew that Jesus was the way, the truth and the light (John 14:6).

And in this hope, Nana knew about the need we all have for forgiveness. In order to love the Lord and each other we must open our hearts and forgive ourselves for things we think we should have done and forgive each other for those things done against us. Despite what any of us may have done or not done, Nana offered forgiveness and abiding love. There were times we both had to work through issues and leave them in the past. We helped each other do that and we learned forgiveness was a blessing to the one who was forgiving. Nana taught me I cannot control other people but I can open my heart to move forward in the Lord’s unfailing love as Nana always did.

Do not let this fool you into thinking Nana and I always agreed. There were times, Nana and I did not always see eye to eye. Our discussions could get interesting depending on the subject matter. Plus Nana could be stubborn although she did not call it that – she just thought she was right. Some people say I get my independent streak from her and when Little Frank gets stubborn I see her in him. So there were times we would agree to disagree. We always agreed that we were still family, still friends, still loved each and still were praying for each other.

And Love, Nana was love in so many ways. When I was young, Laurens always meant Nana, Gran, rainbow sherbert, homemade rolls, coca cola in the bottle (no ice), the front porch swing and walks to library. I still have my pot belly Percy bear I got for Christmas one year that I remember dragging down the steps. I acted out all of kinds of stories on the front porch of Nana’s house and under the magnolia trees out front. My imagination always had plenty of ways for me to play. Then was the closet upstairs with the toys and the train whistle at night. I went to swimming and to summer camp at Camp Fellowship. I would spend hours in the bottom floor of the old Laurens library on South Harper Street.

Nana and I always shared a love of reading, history, enjoying sports although she was a Clemson football and North Carolina basketball fan (you know I love my Gamecocks and Duke basketball) and the theater. We had a wonderful trip together to Williamsburg when we explored together. I loved going to the Little Theater with Nana – it was our special time together. At the Sunday matinee I would tease her about me being the youngest one there so she had the best date. Nana and I talked about all sorts of things – she always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Nana was the one person who did not fuss about my teenage driving. There were holidays in Laurens like Thanksgiving and other celebrations. Little Frank’s first birthday party was at Nana’s house which is a memory I will always treasure. I remember how excited Nana was when I told her we were having a baby. She was thrilled and I felt her prayers throughout the entire time.

Nana was the kind of person I want to be. Nana was active in her church including her circle and Sunday school. She always had a dessert ready the freezer for bereavement of church members and kept her prayer list by her Bible. Nana was active in the hospital auxiliary and other groups. She liked to play bridge and socialize with her friends. Nana was a teacher who impacted many students. Nana was someone you wanted to be friends with because she genuinely cared. Nana put Christ first and it showed in all that she was here on earth.

Nana – I love you and I know you love me. Little Frank wants us to come visit you in heaven. I explained it is too far to pack and drive right now but we will be together in heaven one day. He still wants to know more specifics as four year olds do. I told him you were so special Jesus called you home because he needed you more than we did. I know how special you are which makes me glad Jesus let you stay here with me for as long as he did.

I am filled with joy at the thought of you in heaven because I know you are exactly where you always wanted to be. Your chains are gone, you are without pain and sorrow. You were a blessing to us here and have given us a strong foundation to move forward. I know you would want us to be happy for you so I hope you do not mind but I am still going to cry a little down here. They are happy tears because I have so many precious memories of you and me. I will always carry you in my heart until we meet again and please keep praying for us because now you really do have a direct line to the Lord.

Jesus said: “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice; and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:27