In Memory of Byndia Pope

Bydia Pope, age 94, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away from this life on February 5, 2021 at Oaks Health Care Center in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Bydia was born in Red Oak, Oklahoma on March 15, 1926 to Ranes and Lela (Yota) Coley. She was married to Leslie Pope for over fifty years. She devoted her life to the Lord as a member of South Rock Creek Indian Church. She also visited surrounding churches for singings and special events whenever she was able. She may have not gotten up to sing but you could always find her humming along. She loved the Lord and it showed throughout her life. When she was younger, she worked as a midwife, caregiver, and later as a grandparent at Jones Academy in the Grandparent Program. Most importantly, Bydia’s heart and home was open to anyone who came to fellowship with her or anyone that needed a helping hand. She would make sure they were fed spiritually and with food before leaving. Bydia enjoyed sitting outside her home in the sun watching and waving as people went by her house. The best times she had were spent with family during the Annual Family Reunions. Throughout the hot and sunny day, you could hear her laughing and whispering Choctaw gossip with her siblings. She will be missed by so many.

She is survived by her son, DeRoy Pope; foster daughter, Pamela Gotes; two grandchildren, Brian Barnard and Wanda James; sixteen great grandchildren; fourteen great-great grandchildren; and two great-great-great grandchildren.

Bydia is preceded in death by her parents, Ranes and Lela Coley; daughter, Verna Barnard; granddaughter Linda Sivic; grandson, Harvey James; foster grandson, Preston Gotes; great granddaughter, Casey Bonaparte; great-great granddaughter Lakota James; five brothers; and three sisters.

Pallbearers will be Zachary Eagle, Christopher Scott, Brian Barnard, Danny Coley, Roy Gullick III, and Alejandro Torres.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Brown and Shawn Raymon.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at South Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak with Rev. Don Ludlow officiating. Services have been entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelations 21:4