Michelle Pope

Michelle Tutor Pope, 53, passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2025. Born on May 21, 1972, in Raleigh, NC, Michelle grew up in Garner and later made her home in Willow Spring with her husband and high-school sweetheart, Robert "Robby" Pope. Their reunion later in life and marriage in 2015 brought them great joy, and together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures.

Michelle was the beloved daughter of Michael and Wanda Tutor of Littleton; devoted sister of Shannon Tutor Heath and husband Shawn of Wake Forest; and the proud "Aunt Chelle" to Owen and Aiden, who were among the greatest joys of her life. She shared a close and meaningful relationship with her Uncle Gary and Aunt Wanda Mattingly of Siler City, and a lifelong bond with her cousin Joshua Mattingly, who was born on her 10th birthday-a connection they celebrated throughout their lives. Michelle also held deep affection for Josh's wife Beka and their son Ben, and cherished the trips they shared together to NASCAR races.

Michelle was lovingly welcomed into the Pope and Hunt/Holley families, where she formed enduring relationships with Sam Hunt and Mary Holley, and with Randy and Michele Pope, all of Willow Spring. She was a treasured aunt to Bailey Pope Godwin, Kasey Pope, Will Pope, and Jessica Coson - each of whom adored her.

Michelle was loved by a host of Tutor aunts, uncles and cousins. She loved them all fiercely, and enjoyed reminiscing over laughs at every holiday gathering. Her signature Chocolate Delight was always the first dessert pan empty at the annual Tutor Christmas.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Hal and Rada Tutor; her maternal grandmother, Flora Daniels; and her nephew, Ethan Heath.

A graduate of Garner High School (1990) and Campbell University, Michelle spent most of her career as a pharmacy technician. Her work reflected her nature-steady, compassionate, and attentive. Caring for others wasn't just something she did; it was who she was.

Michelle's spirit was a blend of gentleness, humor, and wholehearted empathy. As a child, she loved softball and water skiing. As an adult, she found joy in puzzles, in doting on her nephews, and in all things Christmas. Her legendary boxes of homemade holiday treats were a labor of love that family and friends looked forward to every year.

A devoted animal lover-especially of beagles-Michelle cared for her dogs Sue and Scarlett with such devotion that family members often joked they hoped to come back in their next life as one of her pets.

The love story she shared with Robby was one of her greatest blessings. First sweethearts as teenagers, they found their way back to each other decades later. Together, they traveled often-especially on cruises-collecting memories that were simple, joyful, and full of love. Though they did not have children of their own, Michelle poured her heart into her nephews, nieces, and extended family.

Michelle's Christian faith was a steady foundation throughout her life. She lived with kindness, tenderness, and a sincerity that made people feel seen, supported, and loved. She will be remembered as a giver, a steady presence, and someone whose heart was always open to others.

A period of visitation will be held from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Duncan Baptist Church, 12024 NC 42, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately following the service at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to WakeMed ParentCare or the Wake County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, organizations supporting families who have experienced the loss of a child-causes especially meaningful to Michelle after the passing of her nephew, Ethan.