Marylee Pope

Marylee Pope, age 60, passed away peacefully at her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which she shared with her husband Gary and step-daughter, Liz, after a long battle with cancer.

She was known for her outgoing personality, adventurous spirit, leadership skills, and her love of family, travel, and her dogs.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 7, 1965, she lived there until she was eleven years old, when the family moved to the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. At 16 years old, Marylee started her career at McKee Foods, where she would ultimately rise to a leadership position as superintendent. In this and previous manager roles at McKee, Marylee's leadership skills became more and more apparent, balancing her deep care for her people with a no-nonsense approach to problem resolution.

Marylee's adventurous spirit often translated into traveling to distant lands, as well as exploring closer scenic locales, throughout her adult life. She also regularly sought thrills, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing and anything else that would provide such excitement.

She loved her family more than anything else, and expressed that love in many ways, including opening her and Gary's home regularly for pool parties and family holiday gatherings. Her laughter and energy were contagious, and it is an understatement to say that she was loved by many. She touched many lives, and will be greatly missed.

Marylee was preceded in death by her father, Carlton Martin and her step-father, Tom Brown. She is survived by her husband, Gary Pope; her step-daughter, Liz Pope; her mother, Kathie Brown; her step-mother, Dot Martin; her sister Linda (Doug) Strawn and brother Carl (Coleen) Martin; her step-sisters, Noelle (David) Lacy, Tami (Carlos) Miranda, Becky Ausland, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, in honor of Marylee's deep love and care for animals.

Memorial service will be at Companion Funeral Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 5, 2025. Viewing, 1-3 pm with the service starting at 3 pm.