Joan Margaret Gay Pope

Joan Margaret Gay Pope, age 71, daughter of the late Frank and Louise Gay was born on June 15, 1954. She was a life-long resident of Columbia County and graduated from Columbia High School, class of 1972. She began her career in banking and retired from the Columbia County School System after nearly 30 years. She professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She served faithfully in many roles and loved her church family. Joan was a devoted wife to Robert for 25 years until his passing, a loving mother to Shane and grandmother to her 5 grandchildren. She spent her final years in the company of her sisters Ellen and Jane, as well as her close friends. She quietly departed this life on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at home. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Pope, brother Warren Gay and sister Ellen Gay. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her twin sister Jane Gay of Lake City, Florida, her son Shane Pope, his wife Katrin, and grandchildren Luke, Ryan, Jackson, Olivia and Greyson Pope all of New Port Richey, Florida. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30 at 11am at Southside Baptist Church, Lake City, FL officiated by Rev. Richard Rodriquez and assisted by Mr. J. T. Clark. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 SW Main Blvd., Lake City, FL is honored to serve the family during this time.