Deborah "Debbie" Bush Copper

Deborah “Debbie” Bush Copper was called home into the arms of the Lord on March 12, 2026 at UConn Health-Waterbury Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Debbie was born to the late Charles Bush and Kathleen Moore Bush on November 22, 1958 in Danbury, CT. Throughout her schooling, Debbie attended Danbury Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Danbury High School. She then went on to obtain her associates degree from Post College (now Post University). Debbie went on to enjoy a career in medical billing and coding, working over almost 30 years at Danbury Hospital before retiring recently. 

Debbie grew up in the church, being spiritually led by her mother and aunts throughout her younger years at New Bethel Church of God in Christ in Danbury, CT. As Debbie grew in the Lord, she would answer the call to ministry and become an evangelist. She served under Michael D. Densmore at Community Tabernacle of Deliverance and later at Resurrection Harvest Faith Church. She was a church girl through and through, rarely missing a Sunday and making sure everyone in her home got up and went as well. 

If you knew Debbie, you knew her deep love for the game of basketball. Debbie came up playing and inspired her siblings to get involved in the sport as well. That love continued throughout her life, coaching and cheering on her daughter, nephews, and nieces as they competed on the court as well. UConn Women’s Basketball and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun were her favorite teams and if she wasn’t watching the games on television and yelling at the screen, she was doing her best to be in the arena making sure the players heard her from her seat. 

Debbie was a strong-willed woman that was able to face challenges with her head held high and a strong desire to push through. Her time here with us was marked by the laughs, tears, and “tough love” she was known for. She will be missed greatly by all those that had come to know and love her. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Kathleen Bush, her sister Rosemarie Bush, and her niece Charmara Bush. 

To cherish her memories, Debbie leaves two daughters, Marlena Copper of New Haven and Quanesha Copper of Waterbury; six grandchildren Sethfon, Dante, and Jemel Copper of Waterbury, Markel Copper of Manchester, Iyanna James Woodson of East Hartford, and Arryah Copper of Waterbury; four siblings Hattie Bush of Danbury, Nathaniel Bush of New Britain, Jeffrey Bush of Watertown, and Patricia Bush James of Manchester; two nephews Charles Bush of Danbury and Charneil Bush of Waterbury; three nieces Shannon Bush of Meriden, Taylor James Woodson of East Hartford, and Katriel Bush of New York City; five grandnieces and nephews Jaden Bush of Waterbury, Saige, Shai, Sevyn, and Sergeo Woodson of East Hartford; and two aunts Annette Bush of Danbury and Ethel Moore Newsome of Danbury.

A funeral service in celebration of Debbie's life will take place on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Walnut Hill Community Church; 156 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. Family and friends will be recevied on Monday morning from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Walnut Hill Community Church.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury is in care of arrangements.