Deloris Darlene (Miller) Pope, age 81, of Chilhowee, Missouri, passed away peacefully, April 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.

She was born on December 26, 1944, and moved to Chilhowee at the age of six, a place she would proudly call home for the remainder of her life. Chilhowee was not just where she lived, but where she invested her heart through service, relationships, and steadfast commitment to others.

Deloris was fortunate to find love twice, preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, Donald (Gene) Shields and later by her husband of 32 years, Lee Pope. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Mildred Miller; her brothers, Lee Miller and Merle Miller; and her sister, Marlene Ellison.

She is survived by her four children, Janet Bohannan of Chilhowee, Missouri; Randy Shields of Aurora, Missouri; Tracy Smith (Terry) of Sturgeon, Missouri; and Todd Pope (Michelle) of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and her brother, Tommy Miller (Luann) of Jacksonville, Florida;

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Tara Dettmer (Ryan) of Centerview, Missouri; Tiffany Kuntemeier (Drew) of St. Peters, Missouri; Derek Thornley (Taryn) of Chilhowee, Missouri; Curtis Shields (Kaitlyn) of Louisville, Kentucky; Blake Shields (Cassie) of Clinton, Missouri; Troy Rush (Gabby) of Savannah, Georgia; Corey Smith (Jami) of Mexico, Missouri; Casey Lecco (Bobby) of Sturgeon, Missouri; Nick Smith (Ashleena) of Fulton, Missouri; Kelsey Roop (Rocky) of Sturgeon, Missouri; Holly Maddox (Clint) of Columbia, Missouri; Carson Pope (Bayli) of Wisconsin; and Bryson Pope of Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was a proud great‑grandma to 23 grandchildren and a great‑great‑grandma to 2 grandchildren.

Deloris was united in marriage to Lee Pope on April 20, 1991, in Chilhowee. Together, they shared a life marked by simple joys—horse riding, Wednesday night gatherings, and faithfully cheering on their grandchildren in every activity. Their home was one of warmth, laughter, and welcome.

She dedicated 33 years of service to the United States Postal Service, where she earned the respected title of Chilhowee Postmaster. Her work ethic, dependability, and care for the community were hallmarks of her professional life.

A committed member of the Chilhowee Baptist Church, she lived her faith through action. She generously served the community on numerous volunteer boards, including the fair board and cemetery board, always willing to step in where help was needed.

Above all else, she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She showed up—to family, to friends, to her church, and to her community—with grace, class, and quiet strength. Her presence was steady, her love unwavering, and her example enduring.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 13th at Chilhowee Baptist Church with interment to follow at the Chilhowee Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Ryan Dettmer, Drew Kuntemeier, Rocky Roop, Bobby Lecco, Mike Miller, and Jeff Miller.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Chilhowee Cemetery Association in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg.