Martha Ann Pope

Martha Ann Pope, age 80, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, departed this world peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Born on February 20, 1945, in Hugo, Oklahoma, Martha was the beloved daughter of John Raymond and Loretta (Coburn) Bennett. From her earliest days, she embodied a spirit of kindness, perseverance, and grace that would become the hallmark of her journey through life. Martha was educated in public schools, where she formed lasting friendships and nurtured the values that would guide her. Love blossomed in her youth, and on November 28, 1964, she wed her devoted husband, Clark Burl Pope, embarking on a partnership marked by mutual respect and unwavering support. Their union was a testament to enduring love, and together they built a family filled with warmth and laughter. Ever driven by a passion for creativity and service, Martha later attended cosmetology school, where her talent and dedication quickly flourished. She found her calling as a cosmetology instructor, inspiring countless students over the years with both her skill and her gentle encouragement. Her classrooms were spaces of learning and transformation, and her influence continues to ripple through the lives of those she mentored. After a distinguished career dedicated to the beauty and confidence of others, Martha retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and compassion. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Donald Ballard and Robert Glenn Bennett; sister-in-law, Carla Bennett Wortman; brother-in-law, Larry Couch. Martha’s greatest joy was found in her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Clark; her son, Brice Pope and his wife, Natalie; and her cherished sister, Carolyn Couch; along with several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews. Their lives are touched forever by her steadfast love, wise counsel, and the countless moments of laughter and tenderness she shared. Martha Ann Pope will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her devotion to her craft, and most of all, for the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, and students. May her memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who knew her. The family will receive friends 1-3PM, Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel. A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at 12:30pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bob Hancock officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at 2:30pm at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, where she will rest in serene dignity. Rest in peace, Martha. Your beauty—inside and out—endures.

Martha Ann Pope

February 20, 1945 - August 26, 2025