Mrs. Mary L. Pope, 86, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 12, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with Deacon George Martin officiating. The eulogy will be given by Kelly Pope, Jr. Interment will follow in the Ocilla Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 P.M. Thursday evening at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Pope was born August 12, 1923 in Mobile, Alabama to the late E.W. and Leslie Summer Riddle. She moved to Fitzgerald in 1931. Mrs. Pope was a member of Westside Baptist Church, where she worked in Vacation Bible School.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Nathan & Judy Pope and Kelly & JoAnn Pope, all of Warner Robins, Allen E. Pope, Terry & Sharon Pope and Marty “Lamar”& Cindy Pope, all of Fitzgerald; daughters and son-in-law: Darlene & Donald During, Jeanette Pope and Linda Pope, all of Fitzgerald; daughter-in-law: Della Pope of Warner Robins; 25 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; sister: Irma Greathouse of Thomaston and a brother: E.W. “Junior” Riddle, Jr., of Americus as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Wilson T. Pope, son, W. Tommy Pope, Jr., daughter, Rose Mary Pope and 2 sisters.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 752, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to a children’s charity of choice.