Crystal Clorinda Wiggins-Copeland

Crystal Clorinda Wiggins Copeland was born on September 24, 1948, in Nansemond County, Virginia, Suffolk, Va. She was the second oldest of four siblings, born to the late William Scott, Sr., and Alice Holland Wiggins. Affectionately known as "Rindi", Crystal attended Nansemond County Training School until her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in January 1959.

At an early age in Virginia, Crystal joined church and attended Mount Sinai Baptist church. Once the family settled in Cleveland, Ohio, they joined Antioch Baptist Church, residing at 9113 Empire Avenue, directly across from Empire Jr. High School.

Crystal's education in Cleveland Public Schools included Miles Standish Elementary School, Empire Jr. High, and Jane Addams Vocational High School, from which she graduated in 1966, focusing on Dental Assistance. After graduation, she was employed at Hough Norwood, then moved on to Metro Health, and later worked at Cleveland Heights High School. There, she dedicated herself to teaching, training, and mentoring young men and women in the skills of Dental Assistance.

In September 1968, Crystal married the love of her life, Theron Sumpter, Jr. From this union, two children were born: Terron Andre Sumpter and Chelsea Yvette Sumpter.

Crystal continued her career at Cleveland Heights High School until she became Project Manager for the Agape Program at Antioch Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Marvin McMickle. The program, which supported, assisted, and tested individuals with HIV/AIDS, thrived under her leadership. She worked with the program until relocating back to Virginia in 2006.

Upon returning to Virginia, Crystal worked as a Medical Case Manager specializing in HIV/AIDS clients and also served as a Medical Case Manager at AH4T, A Hope for Tomorrow, from 2016 to 2018.

In addition to her professional life, Crystal was deeply involved in her church community. She and her children joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Otis Moss, Jr. Crystal served in various ministries, including Usher Board #2, the September Birthmonth (as coordinator until relocating to Va.), the Hospitality Committee with Sisters Ada Stokes, Eula Stith, Lena Robinson, and Julia Goldsmith, the Announcement Ministry, Sunday School, and the Academy during the Spring/Fall sessions, teaching and mentoring members with addictions.

Crystal had a passion for shopping, playing cards, bowling, and she enjoyed fried chicken wings, potato chips, and Pepsi. Her favorite dishes were crab quiche and spinach dip. She was known for her polished nails, constant smile, and her love for matching scarfs, shoes, and purses. She also had a talent for cooking.

Crystal was best known for her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves to mourn her son, Terron Sumpter (Latrice), daughter Chelsea Sumpter; sister Clara Pasco Wiggins Nelson; nephews Michael L. Nelson, Jr., and Quinton Forbes; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three great-nieces; and a host of special friends, extended family, cousins, friends, and co-workers.