Barbara Pope

Barbara Willig Pope, a beloved and cherished mother, nona, daughter and sister, known for her witty, sweet, humorous, and loving personality, departed this earth after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, September 22,2024 at the age of 75 at her home in Waxahachie, TX.

Barbara was born in Waxahachie, TX on March 17, 1949, to Frederick Willig, Jr. and Elsie Willig. Being the third born of six children, Barbara grew up in a home full of love and fellowship.

 She graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1967. While in high school she was a proud member of the Cherokee Charmers. After graduation she worked for over 50 years as a medical claim examiner and supervisor. Throughout those years, she touched many lives and had given comforting words of wisdom and support to those who cherished and respected her.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and dancing was always a love of hers. There were always plenty of brothers and partners willing to dance the night away at the Crystal Chandelier, one of Barbara’s favorite places to be. Whether it be gathered around the table playing Skip-Bo and other card games, cooking up some good fixin’s in the kitchen with her sisters and daughters, or just simply sitting out in the fresh air and chatting about life, Barbara was all about family.

Barbara was a loving mother to Wendy, Kellie, and Leigh Anne, who were her pride and joy. She was a strong loving mother who taught her daughters to love fully, be loyal, have dignity and always be honest. She was always available for her girls, from her girls younger years until her last day. She always had time and would listen and give advice any time day or night.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Rusty Pope; parents, Frederick Willig, Jr. and Elsie Willig, and her brothers, Larry Willig and Ricky Willig. Her memory lives on through her daughters, Wendy Canales, Kellie Whitt (Jerry), and Leigh Anne Whiteman, brother, Joe Willig (Beth), and sisters, Donna Armstrong (Steve) and Linda Bell (James).

Barbara was a devoted Nona to Joey and Elora Canales, Samantha and Nathan Floyd, Nicolas Canales, Jenna Canales, Trey Fenton, Rylie and Leslie Fenton, Jack Fenton, Sofie Young, Kaitlin Card, Colby Whiteman and Zachary Whiteman, and a doting great - Nona to Ezekiel Canales, Eliana Canales, Solomon Floyd, Zelda Floyd, Keaton Hullett, and Skyler Kurschner.

Barbara’s memory also lives on through several nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who will never forget the laughter, love, and joy she brought to their lives.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Celebration of life will be on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 10:00 am at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie TX. Burial will follow at Gateway Memorial Park.

She touched the lives of many, leaving behind memories of laughter, care and an unwavering devotion to the ones she loved.

 Barbara’s wishes were for everyone to wear bright and happy colors to the Celebration of life.