Lucille Pope Midyette

Lucille Pope Midyette, known as Tudie, left this world on April 2, 2023. Born on November 11, 1928, in Petersburg, she was the eldest daughter of Minnie Reid and John Henry Pope. After graduating from Hopewell High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Mary Washington College.

Tudie’s interest in science led her to begin a career in the seed lab at the Virginia Department of Agriculture. On her first day at work, she met a fellow newcomer, James Midyette. After working together for several years, Tudie and Jimmy were married on January 19, 1952. They settled in Ashland and built a family there.

After having three children, Tudie encountered a job opportunity and began a new career. Ashland needed a kindergarten, and Tudie knew she could fill that need. She opened her own school, Primer Prep, and held classes at St. James the Less Episcopal Church. Her son, Jeb, was in her first class and many other Ashland children followed. In 1973, Hanover County began kindergarten in public schools, and Tudie was recruited as one of the original kindergarten teachers. A firm believer in public education, she closed Primer Prep and moved her classroom to Henry Clay School. She remained a valued member of the faculty until her retirement.

Tudie found many ways to enjoy herself in retirement. She continued to play bridge and joined a second bridge group. Travel included London, Paris, New York City, several cruises, a drive across the country and many road trips to the beaches of Florida. She enjoyed frequent visits to Virginia Beach with her sister and special family time at the Midyette cottage in Deltaville. The marriages of her sons, births of four grandchildren and two great grandchildren provided additional excitement. Golf became a new hobby, and she joined the Women’s Golf Association at Hanover Country Club. In addition to being active in a variety of community organizations, Tudie enjoyed volunteering at the Ashland Visitors’ Center and the Science Museum of Virginia.

Many would say Tudie was persistent, some might say she was stubborn. The reality is that she just would not quit. Tudie was a member of Duncan Memorial Methodist Church for 70 years, taking a special interest in the music program and Altar Guild. She was a member of the Ashland Garden club for 65 years and served as president. Her passion and talent for flower arranging won many awards throughout the state. Tudie was a 30 year member of the Scotchtown Chapter of the DAR and a Member Emerita of the Ashland Women’s Club. After volunteering for over 30 years, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Science Museum of Virginia. A charter member of the Hanover Country Club, Tudie remained a member until death, playing her last round of golf at age 87.

Tudie was preceded in death by her husband, James Webb Midyette, Jr. and her sister, Carol Pope Howerton. She is survived by her children: Anne Reid Midyette, James Webb Midyette, III (Mary) and John Pope Midyette (Donna), her grandchildren: Jamie, Jackson and Michael Midyette and Lauren Rowsey(Alex) and her great-grandsons: Levi and Parker Rowsey. Her brother, Dr. John H. Pope, Jr.(Alice), and brother-in-law, E.C. Howerton, Jr., also survive her.

Tudie’s family and friends will surely miss her sense of humor and generous nature. We appreciate those who cared for her at Commonwealth Senior Living and Suncrest Hospice.

The family will receive visitors at Nelsen Funeral Home in Ashland from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday, April 14. A celebration of life service and reception will be held at Duncan Memorial Methodist Church on Sunday, April 16 at 2:00. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery on Monday, April 17 at 11:00. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of these events.