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Deborah Pope Obituary
She inspired everyone by being a true Godly woman who loved Jesus and lived her faith daily. Her love and dedication to family will live in our hearts forever. She was a native of Raleigh, born on August 20, 1950.
She is survived by her husband, "the Love of her life", Reverend Donald L. Pope, Sr. of 36 1/2 years. Their biggest accomplishment and blessing is their son, Donald "Lee" Pope, Jr. Her devoted mother and biggest fan is Betty Buchanan along with her father, Ronald K. Buchanan, Sr. of Apex; mother-in-law, Ilene Pope of Wilmington.
She is considered an angel by her siblings, Ronnie Buchanan, Jr. and wife, Robin, Sharon B. Henry and "Kimbo" Buchanan all of Apex, along with Betty and husband, Richard, Shirley and husband, Dewey, Bonnie and husband Archie; and Brenda Chandler, all of Wilmington. Her many nieces and nephews adored their aunt Debbie along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Debbie's heart was children and she delighted in storytelling and sharing God's love. "Miss Debbie" is beloved by hundreds of kids and families from Noah's Ark Christian Child Care Program in Apex and throughout churches they have pastored. We consider it an honor and privilege to have been a part of this remarkable woman's life. We will cherish her in our hearts forever.
Our family would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2007 at Apex Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh, NC.
The family received friends from 7-9 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2007 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. (Hwy 55), Apex, or other times at the home.
Flowers are welcome and memorials may be given to: Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, 2100 Noble Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608.
Condolences may be made to www.apexfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Pope
Cathay Campbell
January 29, 2007
I just learned about Debbie this past Sunday 2/28/07.
I was totally shocked to hear that Debbie had passed. Debbie and I went way, way back since 1965. Since the day I met her she has left a smile on my face of all the fond memories I had with her and her family. Donald, I am so sorry for you and Lee. To Betty and "Kimbo" and all your family. I don't know if you remember me but I will see you all soon. Debbie will now be with Cathy Ellington and so many other friends she touched in this life.
May God be with you and your family,
Cathay Silver Campbell
Ginny Nugent
January 16, 2007
I just heard about this on Sunday. I am so sorry to hear about Miss Debbie's passing away. She and Miss Kimbo were so wonderful to us when my kids Jack and Joe were at Noah's Ark. I feel so sad for all of you. My prayers are with you.
Mallorie Webb
January 16, 2007
Miss Debbie was my middle school Sunday School teacher at FBCW and no matter how much of a "terror" I was, she loved me all the same. She was a wonderful woman. The most wonderful person I have ever met. So wonderful, that she made an impact on me and 18 years after that Sunday School class I still remember her and her bubbly personality. I was deeply saddened to hear the news this morning. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with your family. May God give you the strength to move through grief.
God Bless,
Mallorie Whitmire Webb
Vickie Faircloth-Lawson
January 8, 2007
Pastor Donald and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss and have had you in my thoughts and prayers since hearing about Debbie's homegoing. Although we never know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. I will continue to pray for you during the difficult days you will face ahead.
In Christ's Love,
Vickie Faircloth Lawson
(Former Englewood Baptist Member)
Brenda Chandler
January 8, 2007
As Debbie's sister-in-law, I loved her so much & will miss her everyday. I never used the word in-law because she was more like a sister to me. I thank God for allowing Debbie to become a part of our family. She was loved by all of us & we will miss her. She was a great asset to my brother & was a terrific pastor's wife. What a gift she was. Please continue to pray for Donald, Lee & all the family. Her passing is a tremendous loss to us all.
Michele Clifton
January 7, 2007
Our hearts are with the Pope Family. Kelsie and I have been blessed by knowing "Miss Debbie" these past six years. She was truly a wonderful woman, one whom made a difference in our lives with her grace and smile. "Miss Debbie" was able to make each child feel so loved and more importantly full of self confidence. As a parent, she was able to resite a scripture that would put everyday parental trials and tribulations inprospective, then we'd pray. The impact "Miss Debbie" has made on the hundreds of children she loved and the parents she befriended will be in our hearts for many years to come. We rejoice your new journey and will miss you very much!
Kelsie and Michele Clifton
Lindsey Harris
January 6, 2007
I have known Mrs Debbie since I went to Noah's Ark, starting about 12 years ago. She was a major part of my childhood while I attended there and was still a part of my life after I left, and I even visited her occasionally just to see her smiling face. I was so shocked to hear the news from one of my friends who also went there with me. She just seemed like someone who would live forever; I couldn't even imagine this sort of thing even happening. She was an angel to everyone, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that she was the sweetest person I've ever met. With such a kind soul, she represented God himself, and she was sure to spread his word to everyone around her. My heart goes out to Donald, Lee, Kimbo, Sharon, Me-maw and the rest of her family.
Sherrie Cato
January 6, 2007
We wanted to say how sorry we were to hear about Miss Debbie. Our son Casey use to go to Noah's Arch for after school care. He loved Miss Debbie and enjoyed everything she taught them. Miss Debbie was truly our angel here on earth. We will miss her. You are all in our prayer.
mike harris
January 6, 2007
Our short time being our Pastorial family we will miss her and continue to pray for the family.
wanda and michael harris
The Oathouts
January 6, 2007
Our family was surprised and saddened to hear the news. We just met Miss Debbie when we signed our children up for a Track Out Camp with Noah's Ark. After just one week, we were hearing "Miss Debbie says...". What a truly beautiful person we have lost and heaven has gained. I know the young ones will miss her terribly.
Carla Tiller
January 6, 2007
Dear Family,
We had the honor of knowing Miss Debbie through the Noah's Ark track out program. She was one of the kindest and most inspirational people we've ever met. Our hearts go out to you, and we know you'll miss her greatly.
Love,
The Tiller Family
The Nyman Family
January 6, 2007
Even though our family only just met Ms. Debbie this past summer, we fell like we have had her as a part of family for many years. Her gift of nurturing children,teaching them and sharing with them her love of God was what makes her an angel in our eyes.
She will be missed by so many, but she will be held in the hearts of so many more.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to all her family. Thank you for sharing her with us each and every day.
Paulette Brown
January 6, 2007
My grandchildren attend Noah's Ark and truly loved "Miss Debbie". Our grandson would always go find her to get a hug and say goodbye when it was time to leave. He told us on his last visit here with us that Miss Debbie said that we should read our Bible everyday. She gave them special love and seurity at a very difficult time in their lives. My daughter also knew that they would not only be safe but loved when she left them each day. This made having to work for the first time in the children's lives so much easier.
She will be missed more than words can express.
Our prayers are with you.
David & Cathy Garloch
January 6, 2007
What a great loss for this world, what a blessing for heaven. Pastor Donald and the rest of the family we will lift to God in ours prayers.I know that your loss is great. I thank God for the time I got to spend with her at church. I will always think of her sweet smile and loving embrace to all. May God give you the comfort and strength you need during this difficult time.
Alex, Kelli & Eliza Poe
January 6, 2007
Our hearts are heavy. We mourn your loss but find comfort in knowing that Miss Debbie is with Our Lord & Savior. We will keep her always in our hearts.
Our love always,
Tracey Stuart
January 6, 2007
Dear family,
I was so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Miss Debbie was a huge part of our lives several years ago, when my son, Brandon attended Noahs Ark. She was a true inspiration to us all and we always thought the world of her. She will be truly missed by everyone. She touched so many lives, and this world will not be the same without Miss Debbie. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew her and loved her as we did.
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