Joe Rufus Hope

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the earthly transition of Joe Rufus Hope of Gadsden, who traded time for eternity on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the age of 77.  We ask that you keep his family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time.

Joe Rufus Hope was born on March 18, 1948, in Gadsden, Alabama, Etowah County, to his loving parents, Mr. Adell Hope and Mrs. Nancy Hope.

Joe was a very athletic and ambitious young man. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sports throughout his life. He had many hobbies and was especially known for his talent as a Pro Bowler in the 1970s. Joe was also a hardworking entrepreneur and owned and operated his own business, Hope Lawn Care, in Gadsden, Alabama.

Joe met and married the love of his life, Margaret Hope. Together, they relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where they built a beautiful life and raised four daughters: Felicia Bell, Kim Russell, Kizzy Hope, and Tameeca Hope.

Joe will be remembered for his strength, work ethic, love for family, and the quiet ways he showed up for those he loved. His legacy lives on in each of us.

Joe transitioned to his heavenly home on February 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Hope and Adell Hope, and his sisters, Hattie Smith, Susie James, Shirley Johnson, and Mary Graves.

Joe leaves to cherish his loving memories, his devoted wife, Margaret Hope, Gadsden, AL; his daughters, Kim Russell, Gadsden, AL; Felicia (Joseph) Bell, Cleveland, OH; Kizzy Hope,  Arlington, TN and Tameeca Hope of Chattanooga, TN; his cherished grandchildren, Faith Bell, Cleveland, OH, Christine Dima, Rochester, NY, Gabby Urbina, Euclid, OH, Joseph Bell, Columbus, OH, Shantell Parker, Lancaster, CA, Nikea Dawkins,  Reaford, NC, Shawn Hope, Crystal Springs, MS, Deja Guice, Memphis, TN, Avvyan Williams, Charleston, SC, Zy’Drea Pearson, Chattanooga, TN, Za’Riya Hunter, Chattanooga, TN, Richard Hunter, Jr., Chattanooga, TN, and Reginald Hunter, Chattanooga, TN; his brother, Lee James (Lillie) Hope, Cleveland, OH; his sister, Molly Hope, Cleveland, OH, and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

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