Mrs. Debbie Pope

Deborah “Debbie” Braziel Pope, 69, of Waycross died Sunday morning, May 16, 2021, at Memorial Satilla Health after a short illness. She was born in Lyons, GA, to the late James H. Braziel, Jr., and Martha Nelle Flanders Braziel. Mrs. Pope was a graduate of Lyons High School, the University of Georgia where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and Valdosta State University, where she received her Specialist degree. She taught school at Toombs Central School, Southwood School, Emerson Park Elementary School, Memorial Drive Elementary School, and Williams Heights Elementary School, where she retired as the fifth grade Science teacher. Mrs. Pope taught for thirty-nine years and rarely missed a day.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Chancel Choir, the Royal Ringers, and served as the pianist for the Big Brothers Sunday School Class for many years. Mrs. Pope enjoyed trips to Disney, playing the piano, working in her yard, and tending her flowers, sewing, crafts, needlework, and calligraphy.

Survivors include her husband of forty-five years, Jerry Pope of Waycross; three children, Jessica Cox and her husband Larry of Waycross, John Pope and his wife Maggie of Savannah, James Pope and his wife Brittany of Metter, GA; five grandchildren, Cole Cox, Ella Beth Cox, Olivia Kate Cox, Lane Pope, and Landry Pope; one brother, Dr. James H. “Jim” Braziel III and his wife Debran of Dublin, GA; a cousin that grew up like a brother, Dr. Reuben Flanders and his wife Betsy of Waycross; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. A private family burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery.

The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1005 Church Street, Waycross, GA 31501.

Sympathy may be expressed online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.

Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Full Paid Obituary