Jean Helen Pope Darden, age 73, of Rose Hill passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Saturday, September 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 husband of fifty-four years, Edward Darden of the home; her children, Anthony Darden and wife, Wanda of Rose Hill, Rickie Darden and wife, June, of Rose Hill and June Darden Casteen and husband, 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 of Clinton, Mittie Tyndall and husband, Marshall, also of Clinton, Linda Sholar and husband, Morrison of Wallace and Judy King of Clayton; brothers, Tate Pope and wife, Jackie of Clinton and Joe Dan Pope and wife, Kay, of Clinton; sister-in-law, Linda Pope of Pikeville and numerous nieces, newphews and special friends that she loved dearly.

A celebration of Jean's "home-going" will be 11:00 am Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with the Reverend Jack Melvin and the Reverend David Smith officiating.

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

There will be a private burial for Jean on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Rose Hill Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Clayton Bryant, Sr., Joe Buckner, David Savage, Jerry Hairr, Danny Joe Pope and Tim Grady..

The famly request memorial gifts be sent in honor of Jean to Rose Hill PFWB Church, 210 N. Newton Street, 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 by clicking on our Memory Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Wallace.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

Visitation: Immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.