Lydia Pope

A thoughtful servant of Christ who is full of grace and kindness, Mrs. Lydia Ruff Pope (Lib), age 102, received her crown of glory on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Lydia was born on August 13, 1923 in Whitney, South Carolina. She was the firstborn of four children of the late James Daniel Ruff and Mertie Melton Ruff. She was the second oldest living member of Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church where she was a member for over seventy years. She dearly loved her church, her family, her friends and neighbors and was a faithful supporter and giver to many ministries. Lydia was an avid gardener who also loved flowers and had a "green thumb" to prove it. She loved to travel, touring almost every state in America. Much of the travel was to attend her husband's bi-annual army reunions across the country. Lydia greatly loved her large family and the many wonderful gatherings that theyheld. She especially looked forward to the annual Pope Thanksgiving family celebration in Wadesboro N.C. She never missed an opportunity to enjoy her family and to love on them.

Surviving are her three daughters and sons-in-law: Dianne Pope Davenport and husband Harold of Charlotte, NC; Betty Pope Parker and husband Jim of Pulaski, TN and Kathy Pope Plemmons and husband Don of Concord, NC; her grandchildren and their spouses: David Wilson of Belmont, NC; Daniel Wilson of Roanoke, VA; Cody Plemmons and wife April of Concord, NC; Lee Parker and wife Jessie of Pulaski, TN; Joy Paxton and husband Wes of Panama City, FL; Casey Mock and husband Jamie of Concord, NC; her great-grandchildren Ryan and Callie Paxton, Wesson and Sanders Parker, Brody, Knox and Sadie Plemmons. Lydia is survived by one half-brother Leonard Ruff of Pelion, SC. She also had many treasured nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to her parents, Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, James Craven Pope of 58 wedded years. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers Daniel Ruff and John Ruff as well as one sister, Maise Ruff Edwards; two half-sisters Gwendolyn Barefoot and Carolyn Miller and one half-brother David Ruff.

Receiving friends will be at Williams Memorial PresbyterianChurch in the sanctuary at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 29,2025 with a celebration of life worship service following at 3:00 pm. Interment will immediately follow the service in the Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The family of Lydia Pope would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Mama's wonderful caregiver of several years, Jill Stover who made it possible for Lydia to graduate to heaven peacefully at home. Gratitude is also extended to Hospice of Cabarrus and Union Counties.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000 or Charlotte Rescue Mission, 915 West 1st Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

The arrangements are in care of James Funeral Home of Huntersville, NC. For online condolences and a video of Lydia Ruff Pope, please visit https://www.JamesFuneralHomeLKN.com