Marshall Barnes Pope and Jean Faye Brown Pope shared a lifelong love story that began on a basketball court and blossomed into a devoted partnership spanning decades. Marshall, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, built a life marked by hard work, community service, and an enduring passion for sports. Jean, a gifted athlete and dedicated educator, was his steadfast companion, and together they left a profound impact on their family and community.

Marshall's Early Life and Farm Roots

Marshall Barnes Pope was born at home on **June 5, 1934**, in Johnston County, North Carolina, delivered by Dr. Woodard. He was the second son and third child of Raymond and Agnes Stancil Pope. His older siblings were Mary Frances and Raymond Eugene "Gene" Pope.

Marshall grew up immersed in the rhythms of farm life, working alongside his brothers Gene, Charles, and Henry "Speck" on his father Raymond's tenant farm. Raymond, who farmed for his father John Thomas Pope, cultivated tobacco, cotton, wheat, and corn, with tobacco and cotton serving as the primary cash crops.

His family's spiritual life was centered at Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, which held deep historical significance. This church, established around 1915, was founded by his own grandfather, Henry Stancil, and neighbor Thomas Cockrell, who jointly donated the land for the newly organized church. It grew out of a neighborhood Sunday school held at Mr. Tommy Cockrell’s house. Henry Stancil and his entire family joined Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, as it was the closest church. Henry further supported the church by allowing them to use his well at the tenant house and by donating timbers for the church building.

High School Years and Athletic Prowess

Marshall attended Glendale High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He was elected president of his Junior Class, demonstrating early leadership qualities. Marshall was known for his agility, athleticism, and talent on the basketball court. He played on the Midget Basketball team as a freshman and continued to play throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Beyond sports, Marshall was involved in various extracurricular activities. He served as the assistant editor and sports editor for the 1952 yearbook, "Glen-Cedo." He also showcased his theatrical side as the stage manager for the play, “There Goes the Bride.” A true trendsetter, Marshall was voted the "Best Dressed" in his Senior Class, graduating from Glendale High School in 1952.

Meeting Jean and a Shared Love for Basketball

It was at a Glendale Basketball game that Marshall met **Jean Faye Brown** from Micro. Jean was there to cheer on the Micro boys playing against Glendale High. They discovered a shared passion for basketball; Jean herself was a gifted player on the Micro high school team, playing all four years. Her talent was recognized with selections for All County for two years and for Tournament Play for two years. She was also voted the "Most Athletic" in her class, with her school yearbook aptly noting, “A whiz when it comes to basketball!” After graduation, Jean continued her basketball career at Louisburg College, a Methodist College in Louisburg, North Carolina. Jean's parents, Artis Ervin Brown and Zela B. Brantham, were also farmers.

Marshall and Jean Faye Brown married on **February 26, 1955**, in the home of W.E. Renfrow, a Free Will Baptist minister, in O'Neals Township of Johnston County. Marshall's aunt, Ila Stancil Creech, served as a witness to their union.

Early Career and Military Service

Following their marriage, Marshall worked in the Norfolk shipyards for 10 months. He was then hired by a sheet metal company out of Indiana, where he contributed to the installation of sheet metal on the Westinghouse Plant in Raleigh.

Marshall also honorably served his country in the **U.S. Army**. With his Radio License, he was assigned to man a radio site in France. During the tense Cuban Missile Crisis, which spanned from October 16-28, 1962, Marshall was recalled to the United States and stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Family Life and Professional Success

Marshall and Jean were blessed with two children: **Marshall Brent Pope**, born in Ahoskie, North Carolina, and **Kathy Lynn Pope**, born in Morehead City, North Carolina.

Marshall's professional journey led him to Carolina Telephone Company, where he worked in various North Carolina locations including Morehead City, Ahoskie, and Wilson. He found great enjoyment and excelled in his work there. After Carolina Telephone was acquired by Sprint, Marshall continued his dedicated service until his retirement from Sprint.

Marshall and Jean were immensely proud of their great-grandson, **Talon James Andrews**, son of Derek and Katie, reflecting the continuation of their family's legacy.

Retirement, Community, and Passions

In retirement, Marshall remained incredibly active and engaged in his community. He volunteered his time delivering meals on wheels for the Wilson County Senior Center and generously offered his support at New Hope and other elementary schools. His love for sports continued as he coached in the Wilson Recreation youth baseball league, forming many special, long-lasting friendships with children, parents, and staff. His impact was evident, as people often stopped to greet "Mr. Pope," a mentor to numerous children, often remembering them with gift cards on their birthdays.

Marshall was a lifelong sports fan, with a particular devotion to basketball, a passion he shared with Jean since their high school days. His favorite college team was the Duke University Blue Devils.

His farming heritage was evident in his meticulously maintained and beautifully manicured lawn. Marshall also became an avid reader after retirement, enjoying a wide variety of books including suspense, legal, political thrillers, history, and mysteries, keeping a diligent list of every book he read.

Marshall always took pride in his appearance, known for his bright and cheerful shirts, ironed to perfection, and khakis with impeccable pleats. He and Jean enjoyed dining at local favorites like Cracker Barrel, McDonalds, and Bojangles, where they often cultivated friendships with staff and fellow patrons.

Marshall and Jean also loved to travel, with destinations including New England, Nova Scotia, the Grand Canyon, Arizona, and Seattle.

Just several months before his passing, they made a special trip to Chicago to attend the wedding of his namesake and granddaughter, Mary Marshall, a journey that brought them immense happiness.

Marshall and Jean regularly attended Stancil Reunions, maintaining strong connections with their extended family.

Later Years and Legacy

After a few months of health problems, Marshall Barnes Pope passed away at the age of 82 on **Monday, May 1, 2017**, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina. He was laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson.

Marshall will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful man who brought joy and smiles to others. He was cherished as a good neighbor and friend, and above all, a devoted family man. He and Jean shared a special love that began when they met at a basketball game in 1952, a love that continued to inspire those around them.