Mae Belle Pope

POPE, Mae Belle (Walker) - of Davison, MI, age 92, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Faith Baptist Church, 7306 East Atherton Road, Davison, MI 48423; Pastor Shawn Kook officiating. Interment immediately following the service in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 4-7 PM Monday, January 12, 2026 at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI 48423 and 10-11 AM Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Faith Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church, in Mae's memory.
Mae Belle Walker Pope, a beloved wife, educator, and woman of steadfast faith, was born on October 3, 1933, in St. Francis, Arkansas, to the late Roy and Novela (Maples) Walker. At the age of eight, Mae moved with her parents to Flint, Michigan, where she would grow into a life defined by devotion to family, service to others, and quiet strength. It was in Burton, at just thirteen years old, that Mae met the young man who would become her lifelong partner and loving companion. On December 1, 1962, she married James Ernest Pope, Jr., beginning a marriage rooted in love, faith, and mutual devotion. Mae was a proud graduate of Bendle High School, graduating as salutatorian and a passionate lifelong learner. She earned her associate degree from Mott Community College, her bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Michigan University, and her master's degree in education from the University of Michigan. Mae devoted thirty years of her life to teaching elementary education at Bendle Schools, retiring in 1989. Faith was the cornerstone of Mae's life. Over the years she was a Sunday school teacher and, alongside her husband, she also sponsored the junior high youth group for many years, offering guidance, encouragement, and a loving example of Christian service. Through her gentle leadership, steady presence, and genuine care, she shaped countless young lives and left a lasting imprint on generations of students. She was a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Davison, Michigan, where she found deep joy in life's simple blessings. She loved camping with her family, creating cherished memories around campfires beneath open skies. She also treasured long walks along the beach, where she found peace in the gentle rhythm of the waves and the beauty of God's creation.
Mae will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering devotion to her family, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her legacy of love, faith, and service lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Mae is survived by her loving husband, James Ernest Pope, Jr.; 4 children, Steven Paul (Deb) Churchill, step son Randal Alan (Rhonda) Pope, step daughter Rhonda Faye (Pope) McCormick and Stanley James Pope; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Winfred Eugene (Carol) Walker, Deanna Faye (Anthony) Morningstar and Karen Kay von Daggenhausen; many other loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Novela Walker and her brother-in-law, Klaus Walter von Daggenhausen.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6
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