Girlella Plair

Our beloved Girlella Plair was born December 1, 1927, in Starkville, Mississippi to the late James and Lula Copeland (Dobbins). She answered God’s call on August 7, 2022. 

Girlella married Dan Plair on September 21, 1946, in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. They moved from Starkville, Mississippi to East Chicago, Indiana in 1948. There they raised their five children: John Harvey (deceased, 1963), Dan Jr., Roy Chester, Elaine, and Brenda Lee (deceased, 2016). 

Girlella expressed her love for Christ at a very young age in Mississippi and later joined the 2nd Baptist Church in East Chicago in the early 1950’s. She remained a proud member until her passing, having served as a Matron and Usher for many years. 

She worked for JJ Newberry on Main St. in the Harbor for many years and later for McCrory’s in East Chicago where she eventually retired after over 30 years. 

To cherish her memory, Girlella leaves two sons, Dan Jr. (Itzel) of Killeen, Texas and Roy Chester (Gwen) of Calumet City, Illinois, a daughter, Elaine (Ross-deceased) of East Chicago, Indiana, a Son-in-law, Darai Briner Sr. of Robertsdale, Alabama, and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Clarissa Jeanne Plair of Waxahachie, Texas.

Grandchildren: Royce Love, John Harvey Plair, Tawanna Plair (deceased), Maurice Love, Orrin Tyrel Plair, Shondrian Dilworth, Darai Briner, Ukonte Plair, Colleen Plair Scott, Danisha Barnes, Stephanie Plair, Sue Ellen Washington, Teneka Briner, Sasha Plair, Aisha Briner, Isis Briner, Cheyenne Briner, Clintesha Briner, Wakeyon and Waukesha Briner. 

Additionally, Girlella leaves a sister-in-law, Karie Fulwiley (Plair) and a brother-in-law, John Henry Plair both of Harvey, Illinois and a sister-in-law, Ruby Copeland of Starkville, Mississippi. 

Special: Lula Hampton (Niece) and Tommy Leonard (Nephew), George Copeland, Jr. (Nephew) and a host of nephews, nieces, great and great-great grandchildren. 

Girlella was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lula, her husband Dan, Sr., her son John Harvey, her daughter Brenda Lee, her brothers, Jim, Willie, George, I.B., L.C., Sylvester, Robert and Andrew James, and her sisters, Alice Louise, Zettie, and Karie.

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