Mr. Copeland was beloved leader in Neshoba schools
Prentice Copeland, who served as superintendent of the Neshoba County Schools from 1967 until his retirement in 1988, has passed away.
Mr. Copeland was born and raised in Neshoba County, graduated from Bond High School, and earned both his B.S. and master’s degrees in education. He dedicated 37 and a half years to the Neshoba County School System and was a member of Sandtown Church.
His long career in education began in 1952 at Coldwater School, where he taught for two years. He then spent four years teaching at Zephyr Hill, where he further made an impact in the classroom and built relationships within the community.
In 1958, after the county schools were consolidated in the Longino Community, Mr. Copeland’s influence grew. He continued teaching and also coached boys’ basketball and baseball, helping students learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
When Neshoba Central High School was completed in 1963, he became its first principal. The community’s trust in his leadership helped him guide the school through its early years and shape it into what it is today.
In 1966, he became Superintendent of Education for Neshoba County. For the next 22 and a half years, he worked tirelessly to ensure that students, teachers, and families had the support they needed to succeed. Under his leadership, the school district made great progress and became known for its commitment to excellence.
Mr. Copeland retired in 1988, leaving a legacy of service and dedication that still impacts the district today.
“Mr. Copeland, if you knew him, you knew his heart is in Neshoba County. He has always been more than just an educator—he was a friend, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for the students and families of this community,” Neshoba County Schools wrote on Facebook. “His legacy is not just in the buildings he helped create or the programs he implemented, but in the lives he touched along the way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
“My deepest condolences,” wrote Kay Duran Stringfellow on Facebook. “He gave me my first job at Neshoba Central, teaching 8th Grade English in 1970. I was 20 years old. He will always have a special place in my heart! I will never forget his kindness!”
Ollie Riley also shared, “Sorry to hear the loss of Mr. Prentice Copeland. He was a great man and a good Neshoba County Superintendent. Praying for his family, friends and the whole Neshoba County.”
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Sandtown Church, with Bros. Kiah Kitt, Lawrence Pool, and Kim Poe officiating. Burial followed in Sandtown Cemetery. McClain-Hays Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Copeland is survived by his sons, Lynn (Kay) Copeland and Rex (Diane) Copeland; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and sisters Mary Breland and Nancy (Gerald) Covington.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ree Copeland; parents, Linard and Effie Copeland; sisters, Elvie Hudson, Verdis Copeland, and Vadis Teer; and brothers, Edwin, Bernis, Delbert, and Arlon Copeland.