Virginia Evans Pope

1925 - 2018

Virginia Evans Pope

Mount Vernon - Virginia Evans Pope, a beloved member of the Mount Vernon (NY) community for nearly 55 years, was called home on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. She was 93.

Born February 8, 1925, in Halifax, VA, Virginia Mae Evans was the 8th and last surviving child of 10 to Annie James and John Evans. Her brothers and sisters were Francena (Pinn), James ('Boo'), Odessa (Hill), Thomas, John Hughlet, Paul, Mark, George, and Julia (Jennings). Shortly after WWII, following the completion of courses at what is now North Carolina Central University, she moved to Brooklyn, NY where she met and was married to her husband of 42 years, James William Pope, until his death in March 1989.

A very funny, progressive, and life savvy individual, she made everyone feel like a member of her family, and family was very precious to her. She cared about people and loved easily. Her extended family is too numerous to count but, she loved and valued all of them, and she was loved in return.

A proud member of Church Women United and the Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda Bridge & Social Club for decades, she held strong bonds to a large number of local families. It was the range of friends and contacts, her compassion for people in need, the concern and desire to help, her ready smile…these were just some of the things that made her so extraordinary.

Virginia was also very active with Mt. Vernon's First Presbyterian Church where she worked as church secretary, treasurer, and, amongst other things, would help find beds for abused women.

Virginia eventually retired from Westchester County where she worked as a secretary for the Mental Health Dept. and ultimately The Child Desertion and Support Unit. Caring for others was simply a natural fit for her. She would continue to volunteer and contribute to the community through these offices long after her retirement.

In 2013, dementia forced her to leave her home in NY and move to an assisted living community in Colonial Heights, VA, to be near her sons in VA and NC.

She is survived by her 3 sons: Jim (Chip), Larry, and Donny; daughters-in-law (respectively): Cherie, Patricia, and Jacinta; grandchildren: Lonnie, Jimmy, Julien, and Jamii; great-grandchildren: Solomon, Evan, Vivien, and Hamelton; and a large contingent of adoring nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be sorely missed by all.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8