Lynnea Copeland

Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and beloved art teacher, Lynnea Ellen Copeland, 47, of
Cookeville, TN passed from this earth in peace and comfort at Emory University Hospital in
Atlanta, GA on Sunday, Feb. 12. Lynnea passed away after a courageous, 10-month battle with
leukemia. She was preceded in death by her father Theodore (Ted) Smyre. She is survived by
her husband of 7 years, Kevin, and their 6 year-old son, Wyatt. She is also survived by her
mother, Sharon Smyre of Dallas, GA, her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Jon Kelley
and nieces, Morgan and Claire, of Acworth, GA, her brother Randy and sister-in-law, Amanda
of Athens, GA. From her husband’s side of the family, she is survived by her in-laws, Dwight
and Cathie Copeland, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kelly and Kemper Fitch and
nephew, Cooper, all of Kennesaw, GA.
Lynnea devoted her life to her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, her family and friends and her art
students. She has worked in both public and private schools for the past 22 years as an art
teacher in Cobb County, GA, Lowndes County, GA and White County, TN.
Lynnea was a graduate of Harrison High School in Kennesaw, GA. She then completed her
Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Art Education and Educational Leadership at
Kennesaw State University. Lynnea took great pride in cultivating minds and relationships with
her students that ranged from pre-K to 12th grade.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Lynnea. She loved a quiet evening with her
husband and son. Lynnea also seemed to always find time to complete a piece of artwork
celebrating her love of nature or the human spirit. During school breaks she and her family
would often explore campsites throughout the states of Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. She
had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. Her pleasant personality was
contagious to everyone she met.
A memorial service will be held at New Salem Baptist Church in Kennesaw, GA on Friday, Feb.
17 at 4 PM in the afternoon. The service will be officiated by Rev. Nicholas Pepper. The family
will receive visitors at the church from 2 to 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory
University or New Salem Baptist Church.