Brianye' Danielle Copeland

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be so beautifully remembered. We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Brianye’ Danielle Copeland. 

Brianye’, affectionately known as “Bri” was born on July 5, 1997, in Evansville, IN, to Brian “Pete” Copeland and Tiffany Matthews. Bri departed this earthly life and entered her heavenly eternal resting place on February 7, 2025.

Bri attended Joshua Academy, Plaza Middle School, and Harrison High School in Evansville, IN. She was an exceptional athlete, excelling in basketball, soccer, and track. Her talents were evident from middle school through her time in the Pro-Am league. Bri held multiple city records during her high school career and graduated in 2015 as Harrison High School’s all-time leader in assists and fifth in career scoring with 1,179 points. Her accolades did not stop with basketball. She briefly held the record in the 100 meters and competed at the state level in track her freshman year. 

Bri’s passion for basketball led her to play collegiately at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH, where she majored in Biology. She also earned a walk-on spot for Track and Field at Central State University. Later, she moved to Charlotte, NC with her parents and sister, A’Bria Copeland, continued conditioning, and played for the Charlotte Queen City Pro Am league. She pursued further education at Charlotte Community College, earning her Associate’s Degree, and was enrolled at UNC Charlotte to complete her Bachelor’s.

An avid entrepreneur, Bri founded BC Luxury Candle Co and Wealthy Lifestyle and was in the process of expanding her business by incorporating her BC Luxury clothing line and her Silent Baller clothing line. She was also in the process of completing a playbook titled, “Hustle and Growth”. Bri had completed a real estate class and was pursuing her real estate license. Additionally, she was licensed in North Carolina, holding her Life and Health insurance certification.

Bri was deeply devoted to her family and friends, always eager to help and volunteer. While at Central State University, she was active in Athletes in Action, where she developed spiritually and athletically, becoming a spiritual captain. She led by example both on and off the court. Bri loved planning family vacations, painting, making candles, and engaging in graphic and web design. Above all, she cherished spending time with her dad and best friend, engaging in activities like playing basketball, grilling, and long conversations. She also loved to be in the kitchen alongside her mother and best friend. Additionally, she served as a mentor to her little sister, A’Bria, and all of her younger cousins. In return, A'Bria served as her stylist.

Bri had an adventurous spirit, and we will forever cherish our family vacations and outings with her, where her love for food led us to new restaurants and exploring all types of adventures. Bri’s infectious smile will always be remembered. We will miss her and that gorgeous smile dearly. 

Brianye’ was preceded in death by her great-great-grandparents, Vitula and Sam Mallory; great-grandmothers Wilma Johnson and Mary Catherine Copeland; great grandfathers, Horace Copeland Sr, Nathan Hughes, Donald Lee Matthews, Cecil Johnson Sr. and David Adams Sr, and her beloved uncle Myron “Bubby” Matthews.

She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Brian “Pete” Copeland; mother, Tiffany Matthews; sister, A’Bria Copeland; great-grandmother, Mary “Lou Lou” Adams; grandparents, Shirley “Grandma Shirl” Baker and Harvey “Papa Jake” Baker, LaDonna “Don Don” Matthews, Gregory “Papa Bubba J” Johnson Sr., Bruce “Papa Bruce” Johnson, James “Papa James” Mayes; her “Auntie Mommas” Brittany “Auntie Britt Britt” Johnson and Sonya “Aunt Sonya” Copeland, her favorite uncle and best friend, Marcus Johnson; along with many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brianye’ Copeland Memorial account at Old National Bank in Bri’s honor. These donations will support scholarships and community initiatives to continue her legacy.

Brianye’s memories and legacy will endure forever, and she will always be with us in spirit. May her legacy of compassion and kindness bring comfort to all who mourn.