Eldis Basford Pope

Eldis Basford Pope, age 92 of Marianna, FL passed away Friday, December 19, 2025, at her residence.

She was born to Lorenzo Dow Basford and Susie Daniels Basford on July 24, 1933. Eldis worked as a cafeteria manager for Jackson County School Board until her retirement.

She enjoyed all forms of nature. For many years, she cultivated beautiful gardens at her home in Dellwood. She loved watching birds and other critters, except for squirrels which looted her bird feeders.

She was preceded in death by her parents, L.D. "Renzie" and Susie Basford, and daughter, Deborah Jean Pope; two sisters: Anne Basford Richardson and Faye Basford Harrison; two brothers: Lester Basford and Chester Basford; brothers/sisters-in-law: Herschel Basford (Nada Merle), Alfred Basford (Vivian).

Her survivors include her children: one son, Julian Waddell "Dell" Pope, of Louisiana, and two daughters, Barbara "Barbie" Pope of Marianna, FL, Dora Pope Orr (David) of Jacksonville, FL, Jennifer "Jenny" Pope Mallow (Kevin) of Valdosta, GA; grandsons, Justin Glover (Erin), Jonathan Casey (Madeline), Morgan Johnson, Rowan Pope; granddaughter, Hilary Glover Stephens (Jason); great/granddaughter, Kennedy Claire Stephens; and one sister, Maxine Basford Hamilton (Johnny); along with several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 12:00 PM, Monday, December 29, 2025, at Grand Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Hamilton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.