Mary Pope Bippes

Mary P. Bippes of Concord, Michigan was born on July 22, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to Darias and Mildred Pope. Mary was the middle child of four siblings, still living are Queta Shaw and her husband Ron, and David Pope. She earned undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University and a second degree in Early Childhood Education from Spring Arbor University. She devoted her life to her family, teaching, and most important to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mary’s first three years of marriage to William A. Bippes were spent teaching elementary school in Greenville, South Carolina where she was named Teacher of the Year. This was an outstanding accomplishment given her dyslexia. After her husband Bill completed his graduate degree they moved to Roberts Wesleyan College in New York where Mary held various jobs at the college. While there she became a stay at home mom with their two children William Darius and Claire Jennifer. After five years at Roberts Wesleyan the family moved to Michigan. As a young mother Mary worked as a school bus driver and cafeteria coordinator for Springport Elementary School. When their children began school she started teaching at Spring Arbor University at Cherubs Preschool where she later became a director, while continuing to teach. After 30 years she retired from the preschool, becoming a substitute teacher for several elementary schools in Jackson. Mary would always say, “Nothing makes me happier than to put a smile on a child’s face and have them know that they are loved and valued.” 

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and teacher who never stopped giving. Her friends were a major part of her life and she so appreciated their visits and times together. She is survived by her husband of 58 years and children Billy and Claire and their spouses Julie and Scott. A woman with a child-like faith that never wavered and a servant’s heart. Her friendships were deep, she truly cared for others, especially children and her family. 

Services will be held at the Arbor Church 120 E Main St. Saturday July 11, 2026 at 11:00am with Pastor Mark Van Valin officiating. Visitation will be at the church Saturday from 10:00am and will go until the time of service. Interment will follow at Spring Arbor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Spring Arbor Cherubs Preschool towards the scholarship fund named Mary, 120 E. Main St, Spring Abor, MI 49283.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Pope Bippes, please visit our floral store.