GoHorseShow - Stone Pope, Son of Shane and Holt, Sadly Passes

GoHorseShow is extremely sad to report that one of our industry’s beloved little horse show warriors, Stone Pope, passed away. At birth, Stone battled four different congenital heart defects and had open heart surgery when he was just eight days old. On Tuesday, February 3rd, Stone tragically passed away in his sleep. He was 17 months-old.

His parents, Shane and Holt Pope, his big sister, Madison, as well as anyone who met Stone, adored his always smiling precious soul. Stone had a glowing angelic aura that surrounded him and you immediately knew he was special.

Tuesday evening, Holt posted this touching tribute to her son on her Facebook page:

Life is a gift. We are not promised years, days or even seconds. They are a gift. For 17 months we were blessed with knowing one of the greatest little men on this earth. From life’s first breath til final breath, Stone Pope knew love, he was love. Pure, unconditional love. From the day he was born, you could look at Stone and know he was a miracle. And while I am selfish and want him here, I am rejoicing in the fact that we got 17 amazing months with a little boy that wasn’t supposed to be here. He touched lives all over the world, and his changed life, changed lives. The miracle and blessing of his story will live on. We are heartbroken, we are devastated, we are weak…but He is strong. Today Stone was made new and whole. His heart is now perfect. He will never know pain, he will never have anyone tell him he can’t do something because of his heart. He is perfect…in every way. God gave the world Stone for a short period, but it goes to show how much a difference one little boy can do in this world. Just like Jesus, Stone came to change lives, and he did. Shane and I were blessed to call him ours. His big sister loved him with all her heart and now we will begin the healing process. We thank all those who have Sent us the 100s if not 1000s of text messages, emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls. They are a reminder of Stone’s impact on the world. We are still in the planning stages of the funeral arrangements but will let everyone know when and where. The funeral will take place on Saturday at Beach Church. Thanks again for all of Stone’s prayer warriors. We love you all! #HeartofStone

As Holt mentioned, there has been an overwhelming show of support for the Pope and Graham family through heartfelt posts on social media. Friend and fellow horseman, Cindy Monroe Young, wrote this beautiful poem about Stone that we wanted to share with everyone.

HEART OF STONE

You were born into this world

With a fight ahead of you.

For God had a plan

Which only He knew.

The doctors worked hard, your strength was immense.

As you fought for your life, the prayers commenced.

Your smile, your happiness, your joy so pure, was truly a gift of God….that we know for sure.

You made the world aware, you brightened up our days, you showed us how to care, reminded us to pray.

For you, little happy boy, God’s work on earth is done.

You’ll have no more pain and now you’re free to run.

On our own understanding, we cannot rely. But to say you were special, one cannot deny.

And now I pray your family knows that they will never, ever be alone.

Oh, the hearts you have touched with that HEART OF STONE.

LATEST UPDATE

CLICK HERE to view Stone’s celebration video

CLICK HERE for Stone’s obituary which appeared on Myrtle Beach

Online Visitation, Friday, February 6th at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Myrtle Beach Community Church
557 George Bishop Parkway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843- 236-9700

Funeral services, Saturday, February 7th at 1:00 pm

Burial immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery

1000 S Carolina 544
Conway, SC 29526
843-347-4909

Return to Beach Church around 4:30 for dinner and a time to celebrate the life of Stone. Donations can be made in Stone’s memory to:

The American Heart Association
Attn: Holly Bagyi
1113 44th Avenue North – Suite 200
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

843- 282-2907

Flowers can be sent to:

200 Aquila Ct
Conway, SC 29527

Prayers and condolences go out to the family and everyone who knew and loved Stone during this difficult time. May this sweet angel rest in peace.

Stone Pope, Son of Shane and Holt, Sadly Passes

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