Mary Ward Pope

Mary Ruth Pope (affectionately called "Nana" by her family), 86, returned to her heavenly home on July 4, 2015 in Mebane, N.C. Her gracious family and friends supported and comforted her during her final years and brought her much peace. Mary Ruth was born to the late J. Frank and Nannie Lee Ward, and later married her best friend, William Henry Pope (known to friends as Billy, and to family as "Big Daddy"), on January 26, 1950. They moved to a plot of land in Cedar Grove, N.C. where they would spend the rest of their years in marriage together, farming and putting down deep roots in the community that continue today. She was blessed with a large and loving family, beginning with her two sons, Barry and Randy. From the very beginning, Mary Ruth dedicated herself to raising them with love, discipline and humility. Together, Mary Ruth and Billy established a family tree that would become a blessing to them throughout their lives. In turn, their family has been blessed by their lives through their example of generosity, sacrificial love and kindness. Mary Ruth adored her grandchildren, and they will always remember the time they got to spend with Nana. Her great-grandchildren brought her great joy and happiness in her later years; the mere mention of their names enough to bring a smile to her face. Mary Ruth was a lifelong member of Mt. Adar Baptist Church. The church, along with family and friends in the community, would be her enduring support from an early age. She was always there to help in times of need, no matter how big or small the problem. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator. Mary Ruth is survived by her sons and their wives, Barry and Pat Pope, Randy and Terrie Pope; her grandchildren and their wives, Kris and Holly Fox, William Pope, Grayson and Maggie Pope; and her great-grandchildren, Paige and Elliott Fox, Paxton and Kylie Pope. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care that Mary Ruth received from Alamance-Caswell Hospice and Mebane Ridge Assisted Living, as well as from Reverend Susan Pasour and the congregation of Mount Adar Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Adar Baptist Church. Mary Ruth will be laid to rest at the Church Cemetery immediately following the funeral service, with a family visitation to follow at the church fellowship building. Reverend Susan Pasour and Reverend Grayson Pope will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites a memorial to be made to Mount Adar Baptist Church (7416 N. North Carolina Hwy. 49, Mebane, NC 27302).