Shirley C. Pope

Shirley Clydean Dennis Pope passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025 at South Central Regional Hospital in Laurel, MS. Shirley was born February 20, 1941 in Newton County, MS to William Earl Dennis and Pearlie Hammons Dennis. At the age of 9 months, she moved with her family to Laurel. She graduated from Calhoun High School in 1959, and then enrolled in Jones Junior College where she received and Intensive Business Certificate. After graduation, Shirley began working at Tower Loan Company, and later Mississippi Power in Laurel. She eventually became a teacher’s assistant at Calhoun Elementary School, which allowed her to be involved in both of her daughters’ education. Later in life, Shirley followed her dream, went back to college, and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from William Carey University. This gave her the opportunity to enhance her passion of teaching elementary children to read. Her deep empathy and pride in helping her students succeed made her a beloved educator, resulting in her being recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2002. In her personal life, Shirley never met a stranger. She always had a kind word, her smile and laughter bringing joy to everyone she met. She leaves behind many friends who loved her as deeply as she loved them. Shirley displayed a giving heart for her entire life, which she shared with her beloved husband, Robert, of sixty-two years. Together, they loved to spread happiness and goodwill - especially during the Christmas season - which created so many memories for her family. Church involvement was also an instrumental aspect of Shirley’s life. She began attending Lebanon Baptist Church as a young girl, and served there as a member for the rest of her life. She walked in faith as a Sunday school teacher, and also led Bible study and Bible school. Her knowledge of Scripture was acclaimed, always excelling in Bible trivia. Shirley’s ultimate form of service was witnessing the love of Christ, having no reservations in giving testimony of God’s faithfulness. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Pearlie Dennis; her brother, Billy Dennis; and sisters, Jennette Arledge and Margie Thompson. Survivors include her beloved husband, James Robert Pope; daughters, Sherry McBride (Gregg) of Laurel and Terry Ford of Purvis. Grandchildren include James Byrd (Amber) of Seminary, Caleb Byrd (Laken) of Laurel, Zachary Ford (Sara) of Oxford, Millen Johnson (Jacob) of Purvis, Lucy Ford of New York, NY, Zach McBride (Jade) of Laurel, Blake McBride (Lauren) of Ellisville, and Brady McBride of Laurel. Great-grandchildren include Hayli Stevens, Tony Dyess, Gabe Dyess, and Levi Byrd. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Lebanon Baptist Church in Laurel, MS from 9:30 am until the service time of 11:00 am. Officiants will be Brother Ken Riley, Leon Carmical, and Harold Floyd. Pallbearers are her grandsons James Byrd, Caleb Byrd, Zachary Ford, Zach McBride, Blake McBride and Brady McBride. Burial will be in the Lebanon Baptist Church cemetery immediately following the service. Memory Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, MS is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

Shirley C. Pope

February 20, 1941 - November 7, 2025