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Dixon Today
By the People, for the People
Beloved Lawton Woman Betty Jean Copeland Dies at 84
Copeland was known for her faith, family, and creative spirit, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:01pm
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Betty Jean Copeland, a longtime resident of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away on March 26, 2026 at the age of 84. Copeland was remembered for her deep faith, dedication to family and community, and creative talents like crafting Christmas stockings and journaling. She had a diverse career, working as a switchboard operator, teacher's aide, and in the German gingerbread industry during her husband's military service. Copeland was also a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to pass the official MLB Scorekeeper test.
Why it matters
Copeland's life story reflects the values and accomplishments of a generation of women who helped shape their local communities through civic engagement, faith, and a commitment to family. Her passing marks the end of an era for Lawton and the broader region.
The details
Betty Jean Copeland was born on October 2, 1941 in Dixon, Missouri to Hershel and Mildred (Forrest) Huey. She was raised with strong values of faith, family, and creativity that remained with her throughout her life. Copeland found joy in simple pleasures like crafting Christmas stockings, reading, and journaling. She had a diverse career, working as a switchboard operator, teacher's aide, and in the traditional Lebkuchen (German gingerbread) industry during her husband's military service in Nurnberg, Germany. Copeland was also deeply involved in civic and social organizations, serving as president of the NALC Auxiliary and holding every major office, including president, in Beta Sigma Phi over 20 years. She became the first woman baseball scorekeeper to take and pass the official MLB Scorekeeper test, paving the way for others.
- Copeland was born on October 2, 1941 in Dixon, Missouri.
- She worked as a switchboard operator at RT Hoover from 1958 to 1961.
- Copeland spent two years as a teacher's aide supporting students.
- She worked in the traditional Lebkuchen (German gingerbread) industry for two years while her husband was stationed in Nurnberg, Germany.
- Copeland passed away on March 26, 2026 at the age of 84.
The players
Betty Jean Copeland
An 84-year-old woman from Lawton, Oklahoma who was known for her faith, family, creativity, and community involvement.
Hershel and Mildred (Forrest) Huey
Copeland's parents who raised her with strong values.
Larry James Franklin Copeland
Copeland's late husband whose military career took the family to Germany.
NALC Auxiliary
A civic organization that Copeland served as president for five years.
Beta Sigma Phi
A social organization that Copeland was a devoted member of for 20 years, holding every major office including president.
The takeaway
Betty Jean Copeland's life was a testament to the values of faith, family, creativity, and community service that defined a generation of American women. Her diverse accomplishments, from becoming the first female MLB scorekeeper to leading local civic groups, left a lasting impact on her hometown of Lawton, Oklahoma and the broader region.
