It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of Du-Wayne Louis Copeland, affectionately known as “Deenie.” Born on May 16, 1974, at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx, New York, Du-Wayne later resided in Charleston, South Carolina. He attended Baptist Hill High School.

Born to Wanda Jenkins (David) and the late Louis Mackey, Du-Wayne shared meaningful bonds with a select circle of loved ones who held a special place in his life. He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Megan Nesbitt and Tabitia Copeland; his aunt and Godmother , Loretta Fowler; and aunt Jennifer Spearing; Great aunt Caroline (Aunt Karol) Gilliard; his great uncle, Joe “Chap” Singleton (Merle) and uncle Darrell Fowler Sr.; loving cousins; and many other family members and friends.

Du-Wayne shared a special bond with his dear friend, boss, and mentor, Darrin Todd Thomas, who played an important role in his life. The family would also like to recognize the special friends who showed kindness, offered support, provided transportation, and helped Du-Wayne during his time of need this past year. Your care and compassion will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

Du-Wayne loved music, rooting for the San Francisco 49ers, playing video games, being a D.J., wrestling, and giving his marketing talent promoting the Charleston Black Expo. He also enjoyed working in radio and media affectionately know as The Icon. And we definitely cannot mention Deenie without acknowledging his healthy obsession with Oprah Winfrey,

Du-Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Louis Mackey; his grandmothers, Mary Mackey and Jannedy Copeland; grandfather; Umar Abdul-Raheem, his great-grandparents , Annie Spearing; Henry and Julia Copeland; his great-uncles, James (Janet) and Jake Spearing(Idell); and his beloved grandfather figure, Robert Jenkins, affectionately known as “Pops.”