Obituary of Catura Zell Sexton Copeland

Zell Copeland, 88 of Talladega passed away May 27, 2023. She was born March 27, 1935 in a log cabin in Henagar, Dekalb County, Alabama. She lived in Talladega County since the age of three. She was preceded in death by her husband and the father of her children, Jimmy Ray Copeland and an infant son. She became a Christian on June 29, 1950, and served the church in various capacities…Bible teacher, church secretary, and in 1955, under the supervision of the late W. Herschell Camp, researched and began recording the history of the Talladega church of Christ where she was the historian for more than 64 years. Zell worked in the newspaper business starting when the newspaper was “The Talladega News”, and later with “The Daily Home” until her retirement in 2001. She was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Talladega, Talladega City School Foundation, Homecoming 2000, and participated in Leadership Talladega. She was a former member of the Pilot Club of Talladega and the National Association of Accountants. She was named Outstanding Talladegans of the Centuries of 1834-2000, made Honorary Citizen of the State of Tennessee for work with Lads to Leaders, won Best Original Column by the Alabama Press Association, and received the Frank L. Harwell Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kiwanis Club of Talladega. Zell is survived by her Daughter - Elizabeth C. (Beth) French of Talladega, Alabama; Daughter and son-in-law Laura C. Dalton and Christopher D. Dalton of Pell City, Alabama; Granddaughter, Jade Alexis Dalton of St. Thomas, USVI; Husband, Edward Hickman Collins of Talladega, Alabama; Sisters-in-laws Caroline Sexton of Selma, Alabama and Imo Sexton of Greenville, South Carolina; Brother, Luther M. Sexton (Hedi) of Prattville, Alabama; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. She was blessed with the devoted friendship of Joe and Jerry Woodard of Munford, Alabama for over 60 years. Adding to her joy in life was the time spent with Avery and Harper Barnett and Grey, Rhett, and Deacon Mitchell. In Zell’s retirement, she was able to spend unlimited hours with her beloved granddaughter, Jade Dalton. Services will be held at Usrey Funeral Home Chapel in Talladega at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. A private burial will follow. Brother Ron Hurst will perform the services and Dale Harris will lead congregational singing. Pallbearers will be: Chris Dalton, Jack Sexton, Barton Sexton, Tim Mitchell, Mike Carden, and Chuck Woodard. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Hall of Heroes – 112 Court Square, East, Talladega, Alabama 35160 Palmer Place – 412 Cherry Street, Talladega, Alabama 35160. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing services.