Middle Tennessee lost one of its shining gems Wednesday (11/23/2016) morning, Nelda Pope passed away. She was married to George Pope, who headed the State Farm regional office here in Murfreesboro during its earlier years.

She was well known for her many roles in Dramatic and Musical Theater, having performed on many stages in Monroe, LA., Nashville, Crossville, Murfreesboro, and Woodbury, TN. She has appeared in forty-nine theatrical productions; both amateur and professional, most in leading roles.

Nelda's History

Nelda Odell Pope, age 89 of Murfreesboro, TN died November 23, 2016. She was born on February 22, 1927 in Birmingham, AL to the late James T. and Nellie Morgan Odell. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Maylene Odell Waln.

Mrs. Pope is survived by her husband of 67 years, George Maynard Pope; daughter, Janis A. Pope of Memphis, TN.; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. George H. Pope and wife Vicky of Orlando, FL., James O. Pope and wife Connie of Morristown, TN; grandchildren, Weston, Jared, and Summer Pope of Orlando and Devan Pope of Boulder, CO.; brother, James Wesley Odell of Houston, TX., and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Pope was a member of First United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro where she was a member of the Choir.

Mrs. Pope attended Evansville College in Indiana. She was a member and past president of Middle Tennessee Choral Society, past president of Stones River Garden Club; past president of Frances Bohannon Music Club, member of P.E.O. Sisterhood and member of Woman's Club.

Visitation and Funeral

Family visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00PM Friday, November 25, 2016, at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Lane). Funeral services will be Saturday morning at 11:00 also at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Miriam Seyler will officiate. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, Middle Tennessee Choral Society, or the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts in memory of Mrs. Pope.