Sylvia Pope Luke

Published 10:24 pm Saturday, November 8, 2014

MEIGS — Sylvia Pope Luke, 87, of Meigs, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at the Presbyterian Home in Quitman.

A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at New Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Klay Luke, Rev. Lance Kindred and Rev. Mitch Mares officiating.

Born Oct. 16, 1927, in Colquitt County, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Walter S. Pope and Ida Belle Howell Pope. She attended school at Rock Hill.

“As a child, she rode in a horse and wagon, rode horses and mules and even walked to school until later when a school bus was available,” her family recalled. “Born just prior to the Great Depression, she lived through many historical events many of us only read of. She was the fourth born of nine children, later helping raise her younger siblings, two of whom, Ruth Pope Mares and Earle Pope, lived with Sylvia and family during some of their high school years.

“During World War II, a friendship grew through letters between Sylvia and Seabron Roscoe Luke,” her family said. “A courtship began after Seabron’s honorable discharge and return from North Africa and Italy. They rejoiced in the birth of Jimmy Keith Luke, Peggy Gayle Luke Forgione and Lisha Luke Barwick, and celebrated 49 blessed years of marriage together. Her husband Seabron passed away Feb. 17, 1995; her son Jimmy on Oct. 27, 1998; and daughter Peggy on Dec. 26, 2009.

Mrs. Luke was a long time member of New Bethel Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school and serving in various other roles. “Sylvia was a southern Christian lady with a sassy sense of humor,” her family said. “Quite the salesperson, she charmed customers and sold many jewels and clothing ensembles working for Murphy’s, King’s Jewelry, Neel’s Department Store, Lowes, and managed The Growing Tree.”

Survivors include one daughter, Lisha Luke Barwick and husband Hubert III of Boston, Ga.; son-in-law, Dan Forgione and wife Ginger of Quitman; daughter-in-law, Sondra Russ Luke of Meigs; a nephew (who is like a son) Vance Luke; seven grandchildren, Sydni Barwick, Abi Barwick, Jodi Forgione Kindred and husband Lance, Luke Forgione and wife Elizabeth, Klay Luke and wife Amy, Russ Luke and Jimmie Kaye Luke; eight great-grandchildren, Kirby Kindred, Chloe Kindred, Parker Kindred, Tyson Forgione, John Klayton Luke Jr., Daisy Luke, Jim Luke and Braiden Luke; three brothers, Walter Earle Pope and wife Sarah of Phenix City, Ala., Gene Pope and wife Dorothy of Monroe, Ga., and Larry Pope of Beaumont, Texas; two sisters, Margaret Pope Whitley of Columbus, Ga., and Carolyn Pope Clark and husband Wayne of Eufaula, Ala.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Bethel Baptist Church, 6623 Lower Meigs Road, Moultrie, Ga. 31768; Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; or Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, 9420 Blackshear Hwy, Baxley, GA 31513.

“The very best memorial you may give to Sylvia and family would be your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior or a deeper relationship with Him if you are saved,” the family said.

The family will greet friends immediately following the memorial service.

Cobb Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please leave condolences for the family at www.moultrieobserver.com.