Shirley Stegall Pope, born July 28, 1932, in Union County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home. She was the daughter of the late Fred Stegall and Veda Edwards Stegall.

Shirley grew up in Union County as one of ten children. Except for a brief period working in Charlotte at the Old Dominion Box Factory, she spent her entire life in the community she loved. Most of her adult years were devoted to working alongside her family on their farm, raising turkeys and chickens, and tending what many considered the largest and most abundant garden around. She found joy in her flowers, in being outdoors, and in staying busy with her hands.

Shirley was spunky, witty, and full of life. Neighborhood children fondly remember her extravagant Halloween tradition dressed as a witch, serving hotdogs from a cauldron. A lifelong member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, she enjoyed baking, sewing, and caring for others, especially her beloved husband. She was truly the honorable matriarch of her family and a cherished presence in her community.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her devoted husband of nearly 72 years, Yates “Bo” Pope, and her siblings: Vann Stegall, Ruth Moore, Wilson Stegall, Hallie Jenkins, Lou Howell, Margie Jenkins, Charles Stegall, Faye Simpson, and Larry Stegall.

Shirley leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory: her daughter, Dawn Woodward (Melvin); four grandchildren, Melissa Potisek (Nick), Miranda Lawrence (Brandon), Daniel Guffey (Deana), and Darren Guffey (Hannah); and thirteen great‑grandchildren Kaleigh Penland, Finn Potisek, Makenna Lawrence, Piper Potisek, Bowen Lawrence, Declan Potisek, August Guffey, Lennox Guffey, Tucker Guffey, Edison Guffey, Callum Potisek, Lillian Guffey, and Emmett Guffey.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Philadelphia Baptist Church, 5709 Philadelphia Church Road, Marshville, North Carolina.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM also at Philadelphia Baptist Church, followed by burial at 3:00 PM at the church cemetery.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Pope Family.