Dorothy Lea Pope

Dorothy Lea Pope, age 85 of Nixa, passed away February 21, 2014. She was born August 12, 1928 in Nixa, the daughter of Herbert and Flossie (Barnett) Martin. On August 29, 1943, she was united in marriage to Leo Pope. Leo preceded Dorothy in death in 2009. Dorothy loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She was known for making family dinners and entertaining. Dorothy also greatly enjoyed gardening. Survivors include: her daughter, Carla Gardner, Nixa; her daughter in law, Lora Pope, Clever; one grandson, Dr. Erin Gardner and wife Emily, St. Louis; four granddaughters, Tonya Murfin-Hayes and husband Brian, Ozark; Dabney Whatley and husband T.J., Ozark, Breann Straw and husband Wes, Clearwater, Florida, and Brooke Lane and husband Philip, Ozark; ten great grandchildren, Laikyn and Madden Murfin, Ethan and Jace Whatley, Emarie, Addison and Luke Straw, and Abigail, Catherine and Margaret Gardner; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Markel Pope in 2005; her four sisters, Verna Martin, Ruby Martin, Geraldine Nelson, and Lillian Merritt; and her two brothers, Lester Martin and Lowell Martin. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2014 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Dr. Richard Eakins officiating. Burial will follow in McConnell Cemetery, Nixa. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, immediately before the funeral service in the funeral home.