Lillie "Bell" Copeland

Lillie Bell (Lock) Copeland of Salado, TX lovingly known as “Bell” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. Bell’s life was a beautiful story of faith, hard work, and deep connections with the people and things she cared most about.

Bell was born April 22, 1936, at the home of her parents, William and Mattie (Blanset) Lock in the small farming community of Yarrelton in Milam County. As the daughter of sharecroppers and the youngest of 7, Bell grew up learning the value of family, perseverance, and hard work. Everyone had to do their part to make sure the cotton was picked, and a meal was on the table.

At the age of 15, she met a Salado boy named R. L. Copeland. They were immediately smitten. Their love blossomed and they wed on June 4, 1955, in a small ceremony in Rogers. Together they built a life full of laughter, faith, and dedication. Bell and R. L. raised two sons, creating a home filled with warmth and love, leaving a lasting mark on their family and community.

Bell had an entrepreneurial spirit. She ran a hamburger stand called “Hamburger Hill” at the Mobil station in Salado in the 70s. In the 90’s, R. L. built a small shop for her near their house which she named The Jersey Bull Trading Post. There she sold antiques and concrete yard art. Later in life, she joined her sisters handing out samples and doing demos at HEB.

Bell cared deeply for her family and friends. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved, whether it was on a road trip, tending to her garden, or sitting on her porch watching the hummingbirds. Her deep appreciation for nature and her ability to find beauty in the small things made her a light in the lives of those around her.

More than anything, Bell’s life was rooted in her faith and her unwavering love for her family. She built lifelong friendships and touched countless lives with her compassion and generosity. She lived with a spirit of joy and gratitude, finding salvation and hope in her relationship with Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, GW Lock; sisters, Mary Lou Lock, Dorothy Measles, Martha Philley, Willie Maye Rea, Joyce Hitchman; and her loving husband, R. L. Copeland.

Survivors include her two sons, Richard Copeland and Larry Copeland of Salado; 7 grandchildren, Sherry Morgan, Thomas Copeland, Chance Copeland, Cheyenne Holmes, Dakota Copeland, Casey “Nym” Copeland, and Brady Copeland; and 13 great grandchildren, Micah Morgan, Addison Holmes, Makenzie Copeland, Cassidy Copeland, Mindy Morgan, Yvaine Copeland, Kayleigh Copeland, Emily Morgan, Autumn Holmes, Kaitlyn Copeland, Landon Holmes, Laramie Copeland, and Atlas Copeland.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Belton with a visitation starting at 12 pm and funeral service immediately following at 1 pm. Burial will be in Salado Cemetery.