Melissa Darlene Copeland, 55, of Fort Madison, died Thursday, April 2, 2026, at her home. &nbsp;She was born February 4, 1971, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the only child of Marvin and Bertha Noon Copeland. &nbsp;

Melissa had a quick wit, and was often heard saying “What comes around, goes around.” &nbsp;She enjoyed music, cooking, and her fur babies, usually cats. &nbsp;Being an only child she was the apple of her daddy’s eye.

She is survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her cat, Ford. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life and burial at Oakland Cemetery will be at a later date. &nbsp;Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Copeland family.

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 <img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/burlington-beacon-media-bucket/public/2026/4/1775794423952.jpeg" alt="Melissa Darlene Copeland" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Darlene Copeland</figcaption>
 </figure>Melissa Darlene Copeland, 55, of Fort Madison, died Thursday, April 2, 2026, at her home. &nbsp;She was born February 4, 1971, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the only child of Marvin and Bertha Noon Copeland. &nbsp;Melissa had a quick wit, and was often heard saying “What comes around, goes around.” &nbsp;She enjoyed music, cooking, and her fur babies, usually cats. &nbsp;Being an only child she was the apple of her daddy’s eye.She is survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her cat, Ford. &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents.A celebration of life and burial at Oakland Cemetery will be at a later date. &nbsp;Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Copeland family.