FUNERAL HOME

Willie Pope Obituary


Willie James Pope, age 83, of Erie, died on Monday, February 1, 2016, at his residence. He was born in Laurel, Miss., on October 22, 1932, a son of the late Doyle and Bethena Grayson Pope.

He graduated from Academy High School and served in the U.S. Navy.

Willie was employed at Kaiser Aluminum for more than 20 years.

He was a member of Second Baptist Church, and Smith-Barney Post #700. Willie enjoyed hanging out with his buddies, golfing, basketball and baseball (he was a Cleveland Indians fan).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Larry, Raymond, John and Caesar and six sisters: Cebelle Turner and Bernice Pope, Chicago, Ill., Maebelle Siew, Lorraine Pointer, and Avalon Wright of Erie, Pa. and Charlene Pope of Laurel, Miss.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Catherine Bridgett Pope, three sons: Willie J. Pope, Jr. of Spokane, Wash., Darrell L. Pope of Chicago, Ill., Gerald A. Pope (Valentina) of Seattle, Wash., a stepson, Andre Bridgett (Sarah) of Erie, two daughters: Sabrina Pope of Denver, Colo. and Stephanie Sherrod (Larry) of California, one brother, Clarence Pope, Chicago, Ill., and one sister, Betty Lyons (Jetson).

His grandchildren are: Darrell Jr., Danitra, Davonte, Anthony, Dominique, Jhane, Tiauna, Sheldon and great-grandchild, Isaiah. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Rosey Pope (Ceaser), Charlene Pope (Larry), and Mary Pope(Raymond).

Friends may call at the Second Baptist Church, 757 East 26th Street, on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. with Reverend Allen B. Green officiating, followed by full military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits



Published by Erie Times-News on Feb. 6, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Willie Pope

Not sure what to say?





To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Renae Hicks

February 13, 2016

CAT AND FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR OF BILL PASSING. I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE KNOW BILL. HE FAMILY GET TOGETHERS,PLAYING CARDS AND JUST TO BE AROUND HAVING FUN. BILL WAS A LOVING PERSON. BILL IS IN HEAVEN WITH OUR OTHER LOVE ONES WHO WENT HOME EARLY. LOVE GOD BLESS. MISSIONARY RUTH E. TOLBERT, BRIDGETT(SISTER-IN-LAW)

RUTH BRIDGETT

February 11, 2016

Bill will always be "Bo Jack " to me. We go back as kids playing in Mississippi and living in the same building in Erie on 12th street. He would sing with our band from time to time. I will miss my old friend. My deepest sympathy to the family. I will light a candle at home for Bill.

Aubrey Dillon

February 8, 2016

I so enjoyed spending time talking with my neighbor Bill.
His stories were entertaining and reflected the person he was.
I'm going to miss spending time talking and enjoying his company.

"Always Remembered ~ Never Forgotten"

Khaleed Amon

February 8, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

SHARON HENDERSON

February 8, 2016

I'm glad I got to speak with Willie a few years back. I now live in NM and didn't attend the last reunion, and spoke with him by phone. I remember Willie from Academy and always enjoyed talking with him. He will always be remembered by me as a truly great guy. Please accept my condolences. I'm sure he will be greatly missed.

Anne (Jonezy) La Lopa (Nowakowski)

February 7, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Pope Families. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time may the grace of God sustain you all.

Best Regards!

Audrey Carter

February 7, 2016

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Pope Family

LaVerne, Bill Pryor and Family

February 7, 2016

My condolences are extended to the family of Mr. Willie James Pope.

Panchitta Robinson

February 7, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you Darrell, and your entire family at this sad time. May God continue to bless you all.

Daphne Johnson

February 7, 2016

Uncle Bill you will truly be missed by many of us. Rest in Peace and keep that beautiful smile.Love from Sherri,Tu-Tu, Tim, Quincy,and Maleek.❤❤❤

February 6, 2016

Willie, Darrell & the entire Pope family, my condolences to you all. May the Lord of all Glory give you peace in this difficult time.
Haven't seen you guys since the Troop 100 days! I still have the neckerchief you designed. You both are fondly remembered, friends.

Michael Merry

February 6, 2016

My prayers are with my Extended Family during this time. Nothing but wonderful and memorable moments.

Colleen Rush

February 6, 2016

RIP CUZ. You will be missed.

Michael Clark Sr.

February 6, 2016

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Willie Pope's name

Memorial Events
for Willie Pope

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Downtown - Erie

602 W 10th St, Erie, PA 16502

How to support Willie's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Willie Pope's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored