Sr Johnny Lee Hope

Mr. Johnny Lee Hope, Sr, went to be with his heavenly Father on Friday, May 4, 2012 after several years of declining health. He was born May 18, 1930 in Iredell County to Henry Andrew Hope and Mamie Nola Sprinkle Hope, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, two half-sisters and one half-brother. He was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Jonathan Mark Mesiemore and Terry Andrew Hope, Jr. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Ruth Benfield Hope. Also surviving are six children, Johnny Lee Hope, Jr (Brenda), Judith Hope Riggs (Monroe), Norman Wayne Hope (Terry), Terry Andrew Hope, Sr., Reggie Eugene Hope and Danny Eric Hope (Jean). Grandchildren, Scott Hope, Jason Hope, Beth Hope, Wesley Mesiemore, Marla Johnson, Monica Monk, Christy Hope Robinson, Amanda Hope and Umiko Hewitt along with 19 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren also survive. He was owner of Hope Brothers. Inc, for more than 50 years and was a member of Rocky Hill Baptist Church. Funeral services for Mr. Hope will be conducted 3:00 pm Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Rocky Hill Baptist Church with Reverends Henry Cook, Larry Holleman, Ervil Jones and Lee Boggs officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at Nicholson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Rocky Hill Baptist Church Building Fund. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries . Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Johnny Lee Hope, Sr.