Funeral services for Neva Nell McAfee Pope, 102, of Alba, were held on September 8, 2022, at Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home. Frank Summers officiated. Interment followed in Salem Cemetery, Alba. Pallbearers were grandsons, Doug Pope, Matt Haisten, Justin Haisten, Toby Pope and Wes Melvin; and grandson-in-law Damon Bentley.
Mrs. Pope died on September 1, 2022. She was born on December 24, 1919, to Charlie and Jessie McAfee in Yantis. She moved with her family to Alba at the age of 5 and spent 92 years of her life within 12 miles of where she was born.
She was baptized into Christ at the age of 13 and was a faithful member of the Church of Christ the remainder of her life. She worshipped with the Salem Church of Christ, Alba Church of Christ and the Grand Saline Church of Christ.
She married Jink Pope in 1939 and they shared 62 years together until his death in 2001. They were blessed with 4 children.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her loving personality was felt by family and friends through her gracious and generous spirit along with a sense of humor that was contagious.
She enjoyed taking bus tours with family and friends and traveled to more than 24 states. One of her favorite places was Branson, Missouri where she would meet family members, enjoy the entertainment and make memories.
Mrs. Pope is survived by her son, Billy Pope and wife Kay of Waxahachie; daughters, Lynda Melvin and husband Joe of Alba, and Betty Haisten of Alba; son, Tommy Pope and wife Vickie of Alba; six grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and special caregiver, Sherry Pace.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Inez Norkiewicz and husband Art; sons-in-law, Mickey Haisten and Larry Clanton; and grandson, Les Clanton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Texas Food Bank, 3201 Robertson Rd, Tyler, TX, 75701.