Pauline Cope Allen

Pauline was born on December 24, 1922 in Sylva, NC, the second child of James Clingman Cope and Elizabeth Jane Cook.

Pauline attended school in Paw Creek and Sylva, and eventually settled in Paw Creek. While raising six children, she also worked outside the home, first in the health care field at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and later at Merita Bakery for many years. She ultimately returned to health care, her true calling.

Following retirement, Pauline became a companion and caregiver to Ms. Belle Johnston of Pineville. After Ms. Johnston passed away, Pauline continued elderly caregiving until the age of 82.

A big fan of country music and NASCAR racing, Pauline loved Marty Robbins and traveled to Nashville multiple times to the Grand Ole Opry. She also enjoyed reading, travelling, and spending time with her family. Pauline was a captivating storyteller, due in part to her remarkable memory. She could remember nearly everything that had ever happened during her lifetime, even down to the weather and what she was wearing at the time.

Pauline had a great sense of humor, often sharing laughs with those she loved. She was inspirational and kind, tolerant and wise, and distinctly open-minded. She will be missed beyond measure.

Those left to honor Pauline’s memory include her children, Patricia James (Brian) of Ontario, Can., William J. Barnes (Glenda) of Denver, NC, Debra Myers (Joe) of Cleveland, NC, Nathan Barnes of Claremont, NC, and Nancy Barnes Lawson of Charlotte; grandchildren, Timothy Hallman, Michelle Vann, Mike Vann, Brittany Mohammed, and Taylor Lawson (Antonio); great-grandchildren, David, William, and Christian Hallman, Lillian Mason (Adam), Julena Rebollo, and Antonio and Marley Dalton; sister, Arlene Merrill of Pownal, ME; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Barbara Rhinehardt; granddaughter, Nicole Barnes Aldrich; and brothers, Raymond J. Cope, Alfred LeClair and Harry LeClair.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, 4601 Freedom Drive in Charlotte.

The funeral service is to be conducted at 11:00am, immediately following the visitation, in the Paul Helton Chapel at the funeral home.

The burial will follow at Forest Lawn West Cemetery.