Joann Darlene Pope, 84, of Smithville, MO passed away June 7, 2019.

She was born on May 6, 1935 to William Edger and Leota Alice (Norval) Wait in Kansas City, MO. Joann was 12 when the family moved to Smithville where she attended school and graduated in 1953 from Smithville High School. 

 On May 9, 1953 she was united in marriage to Paul P. Pope. After their marriage they lived in Smithville where they made their home. Joann worked for H.H. Halferty and Sons in Paradise, MO and later in Smithville, MO for 36 years. She then worked for her brother Charles Wait at Wait’s High and Dry Storage in Smithville until she retired at the age of 73. 

he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Smithville where she taught the first grade Sunday School class from 1962 until 1980.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband Paul on January 24, 1988 and her son Paul Duane Pope on June 5, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bill and Charles Wait; brothers-in-law Chad Pope, Walt Pope, Jack Pope, Joe Pope, Charles Davenport and Lewis Sumpter; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Wait, Noma Pope, Lena Pope, Marie Pope, Barbra Pope, Nona Davenport, Leo Sumpter and Ruby Lovell.

She is survived by her daughter Shirley Maxwell and husband Richard of Jamesport, MO; grandchildren Jeremy (Chelsie) Justus of Jamesport, MO, Troy (Marisol) Justus of Kansas City, MO, Anthony (Lynda) Justus of Spangdaheln AB, Germany, Shauna Pope of Kansas City, MO, Jon (Brandi) Pope of Overland Park, KS, Steve (Cheri) Maxwell of Glenwood, IA, Erik ((Nicole) Maxwell of Lee’s Summit, MO and Carrie (Todd) Holcomb of Gallatin, MO; seventeen great-grandchildren; sister Patricia Silvey and husband Larry of Katy, TX; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14th at Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery

Visitation following until 5:30 p.m. at the Smithville Housing Authority.

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.