Vanita Lois Copney

Vanita Lois Copney, a resident of Arden NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Wednesday December 20, 2023, in Asheville NC. Vanita was a graduate of TC Roberson High School and attended AB Technical Community College. She worked in retail and banking, having last worked at the V.A. Federal Credit Union, after which she became a devoted caretaker for her mother, Julia Shade. Vanita embraced life, living it to the fullest whenever possible. Her passions were seeing local sights, cooking, shopping, Saturday outings with her mother, and connecting with family and friends.

Vanita was the daughter of Julia Shade and the late Ike Simpson Sr. She was preceded in death by her beloved, identical twin sister Vanessa L. Copney; brother, Brian Chaplin; and niece, Trinity Chaplin. Those left to cherish her memory are her nephews, Mkeka B. L. Copney (Shondrika) of Charlotte, NC, Brian Keeter of Black Mountain, NC; brother-in-law, Arnold J. Johnson (Frances) of Asheville, NC; nieces, Kiarah Copney of Charlotte, NC, K’terria Chaplin of Black Mountain, NC, Briance’ and Starr Chaplin of Greenville, SC; brother, Ike Simpson Jr. of South Carolina; special friend, Joseph Steele of Asheville, NC; and a host of extended family members and friends.  

A Funeral Service to honor the life of Vanita will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at St. John Baptist Church (14 Legend Dr., Arden) at 1pm. She will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral. Viewing will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm at St. John Baptist Church. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

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