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Mary Ellen Hill Pope

  • February 10, 1935 - January 9, 2011
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Memories & Candles

“We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Mary. She was a generous and kind person. We enjoyed seating down and talking to her and Rick at the...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Stanley & Jennifer Mc Calla - NY

“From all of us at the MN Fred Astaire studios, please accept our condolences. On a personal note, Rick, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn...Read More » ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Andrea Mirenda - MN

“Mary Pope and Dick Jackson gave me my start in the dance business back in 1965/66. Please extend my condolences to the family. I'll remember her...Read More » ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: Rick Post - Albuquerque, NM

“My memory of Mary.........she was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met.....she was always encouraging and sweet...she will be missed......Read More » ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: Rae Josephs - VA

“I am sad to hear of the loss of Mary. I pray that her life is celebrated for years and years. May her family be at peace and be cradled in her...Read More » ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Beth Smith - Bartlett, TN

“Dear Z, family of Pope, and all of the Fred Astaire Family, We are so saddened to hear of Ms. Pope's passing away. She inspired our dancing and...Read More » ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Dan and Mari Mick - Wichita, KS

“With caring thoughts of sympathy for you and your family. Lillie Mosley (Jan's Aunt Lillie) ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: Lillie Mosley - Quinton, VA

“I was so saddened to hear of Ms Popes passing, you are in my heart and in my prayers Sylvia ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Sylvia D Hutson - Portsmouth, VA

“Although I have only known Mary for a few years, I have come to appreciate and love this amazing woman.I so looked forward to our visits and talks...Read More » ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Leanne Tobin - Virginia Beach, VA

“My prayers and love to the family. God bless all through this time of sorrow. Love, Mary & H.W. ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: mary layne - mechanicsville, VA

“Condolence to Mary Ellen's family. I have wonderful memories of our school days at Highland Springs and riding to work together. You will be missed...Read More » ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Norma Bobenia Leigh - VA

“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Rick and family. I got to know Mary over the last few years since I met Rick through a mutual car club. We...Read More » ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: Keith Nichols - Va. Beach, VA

“We are all so sad to hear that Mary has passed away.. She was our very first patient here and our biggest advocate. She was a dear sweet person with...Read More » ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: Dr. John Williamson, Priscilla and staff AMRI-VA - VA

“I can't imagine what you are going through this week. I know it must be really sad, but gosh, what wonderful memories you have to hold on to. If...Read More » ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: Mary & Lattie Porter & family - VA


Mary Ellen Hill Pope, 75, died peacefully in her Virginia Beach home on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. She was born in Virgilina, Virginia on Feb. 10, 1935 to Bedie Belle Young and Dewitt Hill, and was the eldest of five siblings, Dorothy H. Markow, Alice H. Epps, Jan B. Walker, Dewitt Hill Jr., and James A. Hill. After graduating Highland Springs High School, Highland Springs, VA, Mary Pope moved to the Hampton Roads area where she later started her own business and opened a ballroom dance studio. In 1958, Mary Pope established her own Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise. Serving the community for over 50 years, Mary Pope co-owned and managed the studio with her husband Rickey Zilonka. Among her achievements, Mary Pope served on the National Dance Board and as a certified adjudicater with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Ballroom Dance was her passion and her life's work. She's inspired and touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by her "dance family." Mary Pope was also a devoted wife, mother, sister, and daughter. Family was priority and she was always available for support. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and loved spending quality time with them. She had a caring and generous heart and would fight for you in times of crisis and triumph in your success. She had a warm, good-hearted nature and everyone loved talking with her. Her family will miss her honest, spirited, and straightforward approach to life. Mary Pope is survived by her husband, Rickey Zilonka; her children, Richard Pope, Kelley Helms, and Braston Carlton Jackson; her grandchildren, Michael Pope, Jennifer Pope, Angie Pope, Kelley Carter, Joaquin Ham, Wilton Pope, Aubrey Pope, Curtis Gregory Jackson; and two great grandchildren, Anthony Glenn and Hayden Carter. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, 3600 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452 on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral will held at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Private burial will be held at Washington Memorial Cemetery in Sandston, VA. Memorial donations should be sent to the American Lymphedema Society. The family wishes to thank everyone for your prayers and words of comfort. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.