VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Grace Leigh Copeland Willis, age 82, of Virginia Beach, passed away on October 23, 2014 at the Chesapeake Regional Health Care of Chesapeake, VA

A native of Ahoskie, Hertford County, NC, Grace was born on May 11, 1932 to the late William Joseph and Sallie Mizelle Copeland.  She was a member of First Baptist Church Ahoskie and along with working for many years as a hairdresser, she was also an instructor for Hick’s Beauty Academy.

Grace Leigh is survived by her loving husband, Orville Ray Willis; two sisters, Clarine C. Dilday of Rich Square, NC, and Hattie Rae Wiggins of Ahoskie, NC; a brother, Billy Copeland of Chesapeake, VA; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Mary Alice Hardison of Chesapeake, VA .

Besides her parents, Grace was predeceased by her sisters, Catherine Stoneman, Dorothy Alston, and Thelma Dilday; and her brother Bobby Copeland.

A graveside Celebration of Life Service was held on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at the Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. Ronald McSwain, officiating.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of choice.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Willis family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.