Viva J. Pope

Mrs. Viva Jewel Pope

Mrs. Pope is the epitome of a positive, compassionate, faithful and loving woman who truly believed that she could do all things through Christ. She departed this life on January 12, 2023 lovingly surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Pope was born in Grand Rivers, Kentucky on March 29, 1923. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Paducah, Kentucky and went on to attend West Kentucky Technical College. During World War II she was a civilian employee at Bracken Military Base. Later, she and her husband Julian L. Pope moved to Dayton, Ohio and she became a full time homemaker, caring for four children.

She was an active member of Dixon United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She was often thought of as a quiet storm, full of power and determination as she trained new members on the Usher Board. She served as President of the Usher Board for many years and was also an active member of the United Methodist Women In her spare time, Mrs. Pope enjoyed baking, working out puzzles, and watching soap operas and judge shows.

Mrs. Pope was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Minnie Benberry; her husband, Julian L. Pope; and all nine of her siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory children: Velva Hardaway, Brenda Pope, Bonita Curry, Julian L. Pope, Jr.; 5 grandchildren: Lisa Hardaway, Edward Hardaway (Oletha), Toby Moore, Victoria Curry Richardson (Kelly) and Kandra Taylor. She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews mourn her loss but also celebrate her life.

Her love for her family and her church is only outweighed by her love for God. Memorial donations can be directed to the Pope Scholarship Fund in care of Dixon United Methodist Church. Rest in peace, Mrs. Pope!

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