Gloria Jean Strickland Pope

Gloria Jean Strickland Pope, 71 of Morganton, NC passed away Friday, February 17, 2017.

Our beloved mother, wife, sister, and grandmother, has gone to be with her heavenly father.

Jean was so many things to so many people.  She was a loyal friend, a trusted confidant and advisor, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for a loved one in need.  She loved to laugh and make others laugh, and she was quick to remind you not to take yourself too seriously.  Jean loved to play cards, especially with her bridge club and her family.  She loved to dance and particularly loved shag dancing.  She had a beautiful singing voice, and used to sing in her church choir.  She was a phenomenal cook and worked many years in the kitchen of First Baptist Church for Family Night dinners.

Jean was born on November 10, 1945 in Waycross, Georgia.  She was a graduate of Georgia Southern College, with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education. She was Miss Georgia Southern College, 1967.  She worked as a juvenile probation officer and in a job placement facility in her younger years.

What Jean really did was raise her family.  She was a wonderful homemaker, not only in her own home, but in her children’s homes as well.  She was the most loving and nurturing wife and mother that anyone could ask for, and she taught her family to be loving and nurturing as well.  Jean took her greatest delight in her grandchildren.  She loved to watch them grow, and learn, and she was always willing to accompany them on their infinite childhood adventures.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin James Strickland and Addie Strickland, and by her sisters, Beatrice Allen and Frances Strickland.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas D. Pope, by her sons, Jason M. Pope (Kelly) of Hickory, NC, and David M. Pope (Kerry) of Buford, GA, by her grandchildren, Matthew, Amelia, Elizabeth and Lincoln.  She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn Bullard of Waycross, GA and Ann Bowen of Ashton, GA.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 pm, Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in the parlor of First Baptist Church (502 W. Union St., Morganton).  The funeral will follow at 2 pm in the sanctuary of the church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and the Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating.  A private family graveside service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to The Mission Rathbun House, in care of Mission Health System, Regional Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5363, Asheville, NC 28813.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.