Annette Pope Smith

Annette Pope Smith, of Macon GA, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 18, 2024, after a brief illness surrounded by family. Throughout her life, she touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth and generosity.

Annette was born in 1927 in Alamo, Georgia, to Willie Marvin Pope and Irene Jewel Geiger. After her mother's passing in 1939, Annette's father and siblings moved to Macon. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, Annette's family persevered. She was proud of her brothers who served in World War II. Annette graduated from Miller High School for Girls and was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church and a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class.

In 1945, the year World War II ended, Annette was 15 years old and began her 47-year career with the Georgia Theatre Company working as a cashier. After high school she remained with the theatre industry as a secretary for Lamar Swift, District Manager for the Georgia Theatre Company, Herman Hatton, City Manager, and Jack Herndon Manager for Georgia Theatre Company. She also went on to manage the Westgate Theatre and Riverside Drive-In. She retired in 1992. While working at the theatre and as a dance instructor for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio she met the love of her life, Harvey L. Smith. The couple married and spent 51 years together, sharing a passion for dance, golf, and their beloved dogs.

Annette was a selfless family member who found joy in nurturing loved ones and celebrating milestones. In 2019, she moved to Fleming Island, Florida, to live with her niece Jeanne, Larry, and family. She formed a special bond with her great-grandnieces Sophia, Audrey, and Caroline, sharing stories, playing games, and watching classic movies. Annette's sense of adventure remained strong, and she joined her family on excursions to Key West, the Everglades, and more. Despite health challenges, her spirit remained unbroken. With a courageous "I'll try," she inspired loved ones with her resilience.

She was thankful for the support of family and friends through letters, cards, phone calls, flowers and visits she received while in living her final years in Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Marvin Pope and Jewel Geiger Pope, brothers William (Bill), and Howard Pope, and sisters Eleanor Pope and Martha Hunnicutt.

Annette leaves behind to cherish her memory nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Larry) Dillard of Fleming Island, FL, Ken (Cherie’) Hunnicutt of Saint Simons, GA, Mike (Kim) Hunnicutt of Macon, GA, John (Dominique) Pope of Athens, GA, Laurie (JC) Roberts of Brooks, GA, Bill (Valerie) Pope of Shawnee, OK, Genelle Pope of Hawkinsville, GA, and Mike Pohler of Tallahassee, FL, grand nieces and nephews, Zach (Jodi) Moody, Luke (Sherry) Moody, Collin Duffy, Jason (Bonnie) Hunnicutt, Sarah Hunnicutt, Scott (Stephanie) Pohler, Andrea (Jeremy) Ables, Jennifer (AJ) Bond, Stephanie (Amit) Pope-Patel, Kristen (Kevin) Norris, Mary-Kate (Mike) Hunnicutt Ellis, Meredith Hunnicutt, Maggie Hunnicutt, and many great grand nieces and nephews.

As we say goodbye to Annette, we cherish the memories and the ways she touched our lives with kindness and devotion. Her faith in God was a guiding force, and we're grateful for the example she set. May she rest in peace, reunited with loved ones, and may her legacy inspire us to live with purpose and gratitude. Her memory will forever be in our hearts, a reminder of the impact one life can have.

Funeral services will be officiated by Reverend Julie Long of the First Baptist Church of Christ, Macon, GA. on June 28, 2024, at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, 1419 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210 where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life. Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery (Northgate). Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. Chapel services are at 1:00 p.m. at the chapel of Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Christ, 511 High Place, Macon, GA.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.