Mollie Pope Duce Obituary, Death – On December 12, 2022, Mrs. Mollie Ruth Pope, also known as Momma Duce, passed away at the age of 105. She was known by her nickname throughout her life. She was a schoolteacher for the black community during the time that schools were separated, and she resigned from the Hawkins County Board of Education as a social worker after working there for many years. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and mother-in-law, among other roles in the family. She was a friend and a role model to others in her family and community who needed encouragement. Momma Duce was a member of several organizations, including the Hasson Street Christian Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Swift Club, and the Hawkins County Retired Teacher Association.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Eldridge and RC Payne, Kathleen Hoyle, Jennie Mae Kincaid, and Joanna Jones; her parents, Eldridge and Fannie Lou Payne; her husband, Silas Thomas Pope Sr.; her son, Silas Thomas Pope Jr.; her husband; and her parents-in-law, Eldridge and Fannie Lou Payne. She is survived by her son, Robert Pope (Stephanie), her daughter, Angela Jackson (Terry), her daughter-in-law, Barbara Gaines, and her devoted sister, Ethel Rogers.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ronnie Pope, Tonya Brice, Shannon Clack, Erin Pope, Sandy Jackson, and Jamie Jackson; special step grandchildren, Carole Williams and Angie Pope; 11 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and a large number of nieces and Rhonda Robinson, Lois Kindred, and Amanda Caldwell were three exceptional caregivers who were not only loving but also faithful to the family and encouraging to them. The family would like to express their gratitude to these three individuals.
At Christian-Sells Funeral Home, the family will be there to greet visitors on the afternoon of Saturday, December 17, from 12:00 to 2:00. Pastor Charles Cobb and Dr. Terrence Schofield will preside over the funeral services to be held later today.
