ROSE HILL — Mrs. Jean Helen Pope Darden, 73, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

She was born May 24, 1939 in Sampson County and was the daughter of the late Walter and Doucy Warwick Pope. She was predeceased by her daughter, Debbie D. Garris; brother, Talmadge Pope; and brother-in-law, James Hairr.

Mrs. Darden was a long time member of Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

Surviving to cherish her memories is her devoted husband of 54 years, Edward Darden; her loving children, Anthony Darden (Wanda)and Rickie Darden (June), all of Rose Hill and June Darden Casteen (Joe) of Wallace; grandchildren, Blake Darden, Kyle Darden, Elizabeth Darden, Ginny Hope, Jacob Rivenbark and Lauren Darden; great-granddaughter, Jimi Paige Hope; sisters, Joyce Hairr and Mittie Tyndall (Marshall), all of Clinton, Linda Sholar (Morrison) of Wallace and Judy King of Clayton; brothers, Tate Pope (Jackie) and Joe Dan Pope (Kay) all of Clinton; sister-in-law, Linda Pope of Pikeville; and numerous nieces, nephews and special friends that she loved dearly.

A celebration of Jean’s “home-going” was at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Melvin and the Rev. David Smith officiating.

The family received friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall and at other times at Ed and Jean’s home.

A private burial was held on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Rose Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Clayton Bryant Sr., Joe Buckner, David Savage, Jerry Hairr, Danny Joe Pope and Tim Grady.

The family request memorial gifts be sent in honor of Jean to Rose Hill PFWB Church, 210 N. Newton St., Rose Hill, NC 28458.

Jean was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved her family and her church family dearly and loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a woman of great faith, integrity, and honor who did not just talk the talk but walked the walk of her Christian faith on a daily basis. Jean was a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace, “ an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” She was a friend to all, a strong yet gentle and loving presence to all who were blessed to know her. Jean’s life is not over, it has just begun and she will forever be in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Wallace.