Mary "Mary Mac" McLauchlin Pope
October 30, 1950 ~ January 25, 2021
Mary McLauchlin “Mary Mac” Pope, age 70 of Vass, passed away peacefully at her family farmhouse on Monday, January 25, 2021.
She was born on October 30,1950 and grew up in the family farmhouse that she dearly loved. She enjoyed being on the farm and always expressed her strong love for the property. Mary Mac was the daughter of the late Charles Ray and Mary McLauchlin Pope.
She is survived by a brother: Charles Ray Pope Jr. of Vass, NC.
She graduated from Union Pines High School in 1968. She went on to attend Queens College for two years and then transferred to UNC Chapel Hill to complete her Bachelor of Arts in political science, class of 1972. Mary Mac then attended Wake Forest University School of Law and graduated in 1977 with a Juris Doctorate degree.
Mary Mac was the first woman to be appointed Assistant District Attorney in District 20. On March 23, 1984 at the age of 33, she was appointed as the youngest female Superior Court Judge in North Carolina. She practiced Law, and retired as a partner of the Law Firm Crockett Oldham Pope & Donadio in October of 2018. She continued to work as a mediator until her passing.
Per Mary Mac’s request, no memorial services are planned.
To leave a kind thought, special memory or a condolence for Mary’s family please visit www.PinesFunerals.com.
Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is serving the Pope family.
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I am sad to hear about Mary passing. She was a lady of beauty and grace. Mary was always willing to help anyone that needed help.
My friend will be truly miss.
So sorry she was a great friend prayers♥️♥️
For the past 42 years, you have been an important part of my life. I thank you for always being there when I needed you. I shall greatly miss you. I wish I could have said a goodbye but you always knew how I felt . To Charles and Lee Ann, I extend my deepest sympathy. Mac was my treasure and I know she was yours. Charlie
Mac was my childhood legal hero. She had an amazing legal mind and a great career. She is the only lawyer I ever knew who put people on death row as a prosecutor, presided over death penalty cases as a judge and had them found not guilty as a defense lawyer. She will be missed.
She was the epitome of a Southern lady and one of the finest people I have ever known. My life was enriched in so many many ways by being her friend. She gave her love to Jackie, Joseph, John and me and it will forever be cherished.
A life long treasured friend. From growing up together in Cypress Presbyterian Church to celebrating our milestone 70 years in 2020. My sincere sympathy to Mary Macs family & friends.
Thinking of you and sending love,
Herminia Blue
Truly a beautiful woman with grace, style and a warm heart. She left this world a better place because of her talent and kindness. Peace and comfort to all who will miss Mary Mac.
Mary Mac hired me to work with her when she moved her law practice from Rowan Co. to Moore Co. I will forever be grateful to her for that experience. Not only was she an exceptional attorney, she was an exceptional role model for women. Mary Mac was a true Southern lady with such poise and grace. She had true talent in communicating with people and showing real compassion for her clients. She was a great friend to me all these years. I love her and will miss her very much My sincere sympathy to her brother, nephew, niece and all family and friends who loved her.
Mac you were a help and friend to many of us through the years. I will always remember your smile and sense of humor, you could have us laughing and making our days brighter. Rest In Peace sweet lady.
Charles and family May God give you that peace that only He can in this difficult time.
Thank you for all that you did to pour into the life of Janet Ward Black. Those of us at Ward Black Law are reaping the benefits of your relationship with her. She is a great boss, friend, and mentor and I know you must have been extremely proud of her. We have heard many loving stories about you and I am sure we will continue to hear more in the years to come. – Mady Calloway, Executive Administrator to Janet Ward Black.
A beautiful person inside and out who always offered a helping hand.
Mary Mac was a true lady who was kind to everyone. She was loved and deeply respected by many of us. My deepest sympathy to Charles, “little” Charles and Leann. You are all in my prayers.
Mary Mac was one of my dearest and long time friends. We shared a very special friendship over the years. I am a better person having known her and having her in my life. She will forever be loved and missed
Love you all so much ❤️
Chief Arthur Frye. RIP young lady. My friend, you will be greatly missed by many.
I met Mac in law school where we became instant friends. She was a true jewel as an attorney and friend. She will be missed but never forgotten.
It is so hard to say goodbye to someone like Mary Mac, she has been a dear friend for many years and I will miss her sweet smile. Always ready to help me if I needed her as a lawyer or as a friend. I will miss her deeply . Prayers and loving thoughts go out to the family.
Charles, I am sorry for the loss of your sister. I only remember her as your older sister when we were in school, but I’ve heard wonderful things about her. Take care.
Mary Mac was a true southern lady full of grace and poise. Such a great legal mind. I could always refer clients to her and trust that they would be well taken care of. She will be missed,
Growing up as neighbors, I always looked up to Mary Mac and the entire Pope Family. We went to the same church (Cypress) and she picked us up for youth group. She was a true southern lady and was always polite and friendly. Her kindnesses will be remembered always.
What a shock. We both worked with and admired Mac. She was a legal scholar and a friend. May God rest her soul!
Judge Pope, “Mary Mac” was a classy Southern Lady, a capable and fair prosecutor, a good Judge and Lawyer and a very fine person. She will be missed by all.
To the family of Mary Mac, I met Mary Mac when she practiced law in Rowan County and always admired the unique combination of intellect and charm she brought to the legal profession. She was a trailblazer in the best sense of the word and I was privileged to know and admire her. My deepest sympathy to your family as you absorb this great loss. I hope you will enjoy hearing how beloved she was by fellow attorneys, clients and friends.
“I did it my way” and you indeed did, Mac. Always! College roomie, stand-in bride, Blur Top beach house roomie, legal guide, feisty like “Grandmother” and “Mother”, loyal sister and aunt, friend for 50 years, outstanding legal career, always there when needed, gave but rarely received, private, robust laugh, beautifully manicured presence, devoted Presbyterian and you could always kick your leg higher than me as we attempted to be Rockettes. These varied memories and so many more will continue to be in my life and I’ll pray one day to soar with you in the heavenly realm. Deep sadness for Charles and Mary LeeAnne who now will care for your beloved Lobelia Road homeplace. ❤️❤️🎂
I only knew her for a little less than 10years. We had a sense of when the other needed a shoulder to lean on or someone to brainstorm with. She will be greatly missed but her words of wisdom will live on in my heart. Rest in the Father’s arms my dear friend you have earned a chair for all the good you did in your life.
Our hearts are broken. Mary Mac was a dear friend to our family. As our close neighbor on Rudolph Road, she loved our children as a family member would. Our friendship continued even though she no longer lived in Rowan County. Mary Mac will be missed.
While I only knew Mary Mac during our later college years, I held her in high esteem, admired her greatly, felt a real affection for her, and mourn her too-early passing.
A wonderful lady, always time for a few minutes with those she knew!
I am so honored to have known and enjoyed Mary Mac for the past 46 years. A wonderful person with great integrity and a terrific sense of humor. What more could you ask for? My classmates and I will miss her.
Mary Mac was a wonderful person, inside and out. I remember her from our earlier years in the criminal justice system. She was a police officer’s prosecutor. She vigorously pursued justice for every victim. Mary Mac has left a wonderful legacy of love and respect for those of us who knew her. Thank you our friend.
Mary Mac was a good friend of my mother, and helped me through legal matters. She was a awesome woman and I was privileged to call her a friend. She will be missed! Prayers for her family!
Mary Mac was my boss for 6+ years and one of the dearest people in my life during that time. She was also one of the finest women I ever knew. I loved and admired her dearly and she will be missed terribly. I will never forget one of her favorite songs, “I Hope You Dance” by LeAnn Womack. Fly high my dear friend and I HOPE YOU DANCE up there in heaven…
I have lost a friend. Mary Mac was a force in the Moore county court system. When she entered the courtroom everyone took note! A great attorney who was respected by all! I will miss you my friend!
Mary Mac was a special person. The first time I testified in court as an SBI Agent was in her court in Washington County, NC. I was testifying as a Fingerprint Expert and after the Voir Dire on my training and expertise the defense attorney objected to me testifying as an expert. However, Judge Mary Mac quickly overruled him and said ” Well I’ve determined that he is in fact an expert in the field of fingerprint comparison and I’m going to allow him to testify as one” . I testified and the defendant was convicted and sent to prison. Mary Mac, thank you for giving me the confidence to be a witness for the State of NC. We will miss you and your enthusiasm. May the Lord Bless and Keep you in His Arms and grant you Peace in Heaven. Ken Raper, Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court.
She made everyone she came in contact with professionally a better lawyer, judge, or what have you. She made everyone she came in contact with personally a better person. It was an honor to know you, Mary Mac. May your story be told forever.
Mary Mac was the finest, Southern lady that I have ever met. She was witty, smart and so genuine to every person she encountered. She was an inspiration to me from childhood until adulthood. It was an honor to know you and have you as a friend. May God bless you and keep you.
I am saddened to hear of Mary Mac’s passing. Mary Mac was one of the most Godly, wonderful, kind, caring and genuine women I have ever known. I worked with her for a number of years here in Salisbury with Cecil Whitley. She was always ready to help and solve problems. My son adored her. I know that she is in a better place now. To her brother: I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God give comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I was deeply saddened when my mom called me to tell me about Mary Mac. She was definitely an Angel. I needed help many years ago. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. I told her you do what is best for me like you would do as if i were your daughter and she did. We had became close friends and i cherish everything she did for me. God blessed me for bringing her into my life. Charles and Leigh Ann you both are in my prayers. Heaven has really gained a beautiful angel.
Mary Mac was a beautiful person both inside and out and the loyalist of friends to those she embraced. There is a special place in heaven for folks like her, and she will be a great addition there with a true “Carolina Blue” grace and charm.
Henry Harrison Davis, Jr.
Henry Harrison Davis, Jr.
A true friend that will be greatly missed.
I am so saddened to lose a very special cousin. Mary Mac was a beautiful person inside and out. My late husband thought she was an angel. Charles I know you will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Mac, though younger than me, was someone I admired and respected greatly and looked up to. She was kind of a trail blazer for women in this county and I always loved talking with her. Vass was proud of our legal lady! A great lady from a great family.
Learning of Mary Mac’s passing was truly heartbreaking. We will all miss her deeply. She was always so proud of her family, it’s history and her deep southern heritage. She was the definition of “salt of the earth”. Charles, please know that we will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Mary Mac will live in our hearts forever.
My prayers are with Mary Mac’s family. May God be with you as you mourn the lost of a loved family member. I have lost a good friend and supporter of our little town of Vass. Love to all the family.
Charles,
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Mary Mac’s passing. She and I had recently reconnected and it was always a joy to hear from her.
Your sweet, lovely sister attended my Mother’s graveside service last Thanksgiving and that meant so much to our family. Mary Mac truly loved her family.
I will miss her greatly. My prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Your cousin, Leah Rosser Terrell
Mary Mac and I had some wonderful conversation on things Presbyterian and church related. She was delightful to speak with and very thoughtful. I give thanks to God for her life of service and legal expertise!
My condolences to Charles and LeeAnn.
Lovely, sweet lady!
Charles
I just saw the news of the passing of your sister, Mary Mac. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Take care.
Wanda Cameron Starnes
We sure will miss you, MaryMac! Peace and love to all of your family and friends. You brought so much joy to your friends.💕
Charles, LeAnn and Nephew,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you strength and peace. What wonderful memories you must have of your sister and aunt. She was dearly loved by all. Larry and I especially enjoyed her friendship through the years and will cherish our memories. One especially dear to me was every Valentines Day Mary Mac and LeAnn would bring my mother a box of Valentine candy. They did this kind deed for all the widows in the community.
May God bless you during this difficult time of loss.
I was sorry to read of Mary Mac’s passing. I got to know her about twenty years ago when she and my husband, Sam, were working together on behalf of Dr. Bart Chappel. She was Dr. Chappel’s student at Union Pines and had stepped up to help him when he was in need. Dr. Chappel had great respect for Mary Mac’s wisdom and great appreciation for her friendship. We were impressed with Mary Mac’s affection for her former teacher and interest in his well-being. She was warm, friendly, engaging, competent and had a good sense of humor. My condolences on your loss.
I was sorry to read of Mary Mac’s passing. Mary Mac was my divorce attorney about 16 years ago. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She was very caring person yet tough when she needed to be. I think of her often and what a great attorney she was. If I saw her out somewhere she always took time to speak. Heaven has a wonderful caring angel.
I only knew Mary Mac at UNC. She was President of our Sorority our senior year. She was a delight, a mover and a shaker way back in college days. Everyone who knew her adored her. Very saddened to hear of her passing, but loved the story of her life well lived! Heaven is brighter 🌟