Carrie Ann (Copeland) Gilliland

Carrie Ann “Care Bear” (Copeland) Gilliland, 32, of Topeka, died January 19, 2011.

 She was born on December 13, 1978 in Topeka, the daughter of Melvin J. and Sharon (Young) Copeland.

 Carrie received an Associate Degree from Allen County Community College and attended Washburn University.  She was a volunteer at Tecumseh South Elementary School and a homemaker.

 Carrie loved kids and taught swimming lessons.  She will be remembered for her caring ways and as a person who loved to help others.  She was a member of Fairlawn Heights Wesleyan Church and attended East Side Baptist Church.

 She married K. C. Gilliland in Topeka, Kansas on June 7, 2003.  He survives.  She is also survived by her two children, Clayton and Karli of the home, parents, Mel and Sharon Copeland, a brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Copeland and grandmother Edith Copeland all of Topeka.

 Carrie will lie in state at the East Side Baptist Church at 4425 SE 29th St. where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening.  Services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at East Side Baptist Church.  Private interment will be in Rochester Cemetery.

 Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Gilliland Children’s Educational Fund and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

 Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.