Rebecca Clark Beach Pope

Rebecca Clark Beach Pope, age 81, of Statesville, NC, passed away at home after a lengthy illness on October 25, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on December 28, 1944, in Lenoir, NC, Becky was the beloved second daughter of Harold and Lucy Beach. Becky grew up in Lenoir as one of five children in a lively, close-knit family. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), which was then known as Woman’s College (WC). During college, she met the love of her life on a blind date. Billy Pope was in school nearby in Chapel Hill and soon after her graduation, they began their tender and deeply committed marriage of more than sixty years.

Professionally, Becky was first a teacher and then a realtor. At just 21, Becky began her career teaching Business Education at Northern Durham High School. Beautiful, bright, and kind, she was barely older than the students she taught but commanded their respect anyway. After Billy finished law school, the couple settled down in Statesville in 1969. Becky was a full-time homemaker, ensuring a safe and warm home for her daughters, Ashley and Emily, while volunteering at their school and in the community.

As her daughters grew older, Becky returned to teaching at South Iredell High School and Mitchell Community College. She was a natural teacher and mentor, and at age 50, Becky embarked on what would become a remarkable second career in real estate. She took to the profession with the enthusiasm and determination that characterized so much of her life. Her clients quickly became 'her people,' and she took their interests personally. She thought nothing of staying up into the wee hours to write an offer or negotiate a deal. For Becky, finding someone the perfect home was a source of genuine satisfaction. Her success as a realtor earned her recognition as Listing Agent of the Year for Allen Tate. She remained passionate about her work until she retired at the age of 75.

Throughout her life, Becky cherished her close friendships. For nearly fifty years, she enjoyed playing bridge with the same group of friends and being a member of the Lambda Mu Sorority. She also loved reading and discussing books with the Eggheads Book Club. Becky had an artistic eye and collected beautiful antiques and artwork for the home she designed. She was also a gracious hostess who made family and friends feel welcome.

Becky never wanted to be the center of attention. Quiet and private by nature, she led by example, always with a sense of honesty and decency. Many who knew Becky describe her as a strong person, and Becky used her strength to lift her husband and family. For her daughters and grandchildren, she leaves not only the memory of her love but the enduring example of her character and kindness.

In addition to her parents, Becky was preceded in death by her older sister Anne. She is survived by her husband Bill Pope of Statesville, her daughter Ashley Pope Allen (Carter) of Marietta, Georgia, and her daughter Emily Pope of Boynton Beach, Florida. Her grandchildren are Brittainy Pope of Charleston, SC, Jackson Allen of Atlanta, GA, Emmett Allen of Seattle, WA, and Wesley Allen of Asheville, NC. She also leaves behind her sister Cindy Beach (Scott Henderson), sister Carol Austin, and brother David Beach, along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 2:00 pm at Broad Street United Methodist Church. Following the service, the family will receive friends for a reception in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Bill and Becky Pope Presidential Scholarship at Mitchell Community College. Through this endowment, their legacy will continue to open doors of opportunity for future generations of students, known as Pope Scholars.