Victoria Lee Pope
1957 - 2011
Victoria Lee Pope
1957 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1957
DIED
2011
Victoria Pope Obituary
I am preceded in death by my beloved mother, Virginia Louise Overton DePoorter. I am survived by my loving, patient (very Patient) husband, James Gregory (Greg) Pope. I leave behind others who are precious to me; my sweet and supportive father, Win DePoorter, who hardly let a moment pass that he didn't try to convince me to quit smoking; Janice my dear, beautiful stepmother, who has shown unconditional love for me right to the miserable end; my three sons, Jason Munsch, Jeffrey Pope and Jonathan Pope, all of whom I love dearly; and of course, the sunshine of my life, my granddaughter, Falisha, who "pinky-swear" promises that she will never smoke a single cigarette; and not to be forgotten, my best friend throughout our lives, my brother, Michael DePoorter, who has always been there for me.
I want to thank my sweet and supportive in-laws, Jim and Frances Pope, Daphne Pope and her son, Dane. Thanks to my dearest friend, Beth Ann, who kept my spirits up and my house neat. You are the greatest. Thanks to my fourth-floor buddies at FWBMC for making me feel so safe at my second home. Drs. Harvey, Henry and Chang, thank you for your never ending patience with me as I questioned everything. In these final days, Covenant Hospice has made me as comfortable as possible. As I dictate this today, I am dying a senseless and painful death of lung cancer at a far too-young age. I never thought middle age could be 27. I will never be able to watch Falisha grow up or attend her wedding. I will never be able to go on a cruise. So many "nevers."
Everyone always says that I do things "my way," so, I've written my own obituary in hopes of reaching at least one person to say that cigarettes are not worth the pain you put your family through or the horrendous pain you put your body through. The last couple of years were spent having weekly treatments and painful procedures. Instead of my last days being peaceful, they are spent gasping for breath, like a fish out of water. There is nothing brave or courageous about my death. It's scary and a waste. Ask yourself when you light that next cigarette, is it worth it?"
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 20, at Heritage Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, 845 Third Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
You may go online to offer condolences to the family and sign the guestbook at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com. Heritage Gardens Funeral Home of Niceville is entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jason Munsch
May 13, 2023
Miss you Mom. Wish you were here to meet my amazing wife Ariel. You would love her. We have begun to start a family together. We got a dog 2 cats and are starting to look for a house. My career has bloomed into something that I didn´t think was possible. I work as a client systems admin on eglin Air Force base. All those years of computer obsession paid off.
Really wish you could be here to celebrate all this with me. I love you.
Janice DePoorter
May 13, 2021
It's odd to type something and feel that you are actually aware of it. Who am I to say you're not? But writing in this manner does, in fact, make me feel better and closer to you. So, I will occasionally update you on whatsup. We are in our tenth year without you yet your spirit has remained strong within us. Your Dad and I are reaching our twilight years and know that our lives will soon be but a memory. But we've lived a good life and have loved each other through all the ups and downs of life. It's unbelievable how much I love this man. Michael is still the loving teddy bear just a little grayer. Greg still works hard at the shop. He is still the sweet soul and is keeping these boys together as a family unit...holidays and such. Greg is now into sailing and enjoys the company of Linda in this endeavor. She works at the shop and seems to be a nice lady. Remember all the years of exhausting Nintendo with Jason? Well, his love of computer games and all things computer has turned into a career. He is self-sufficient, mature and relatively happy. I can't wait for the right gal to come along for him. Jeffrey no longer smokes...anything...he takes good care of himself and seems to be growing in his maturity. He's much like you in that he is most likely to step outside his comfort zone and try something new. Our sweet Jon continues to struggle. I look at all our pictures of these boys in their youth and I remember Jon as being the most determined. But life hasn't been kind to him and he is still searching for his path. Falisha has grown to be a beautiful young woman...smart and self-assured. You'd be so proud of her and would love to just hang out with her. I'm set to relinquish your diamond necklace to her at her graduation next year in 2022. All of your requirements have been met...she is every thing you hoped she would be and more. Our little Wayne is living with Mia and her family. I miss him terribly. I must mention Dane...no one loves you more. He never fails to say what your love and support meant to him during his youth. So, my sweet daughter-in-law, that wraps it up for right now. You've made a huge difference in all these lives. Your obituary still has an impact on those who dare to read it. We miss you still.
Janice DePoorter
May 14, 2019
Well Vickie, May 11th has come and gone and we are moving into the ninth year without you. I reread your obituary and it brings you back to life for me. Falisha has grown into a beautiful young lady and you would be so proud of her. She loves her Papa Win. It's just about time to relinquish your single diamond necklace to her. You would have joyously loved Wayne....such a sweet little guy. All the rest of us have just grown older. I don't hesitate in sharing your obituary. I know it has made a difference in lives. So, you've done more than most of us in your loving influence. I'm proud to be your step-mom.
Jason Munsch
April 22, 2019
You saved another life recently. A friend let me know that he sent your obituary to them and got them to quit smoking. Hes been smoke free for 3 months now. You are still touching lives to this day. I love you and miss you.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Your step mom Janice
February 24, 2014
It's coming up on three years now. I still miss you so much, my friend. When I married your Dad way back when, you were the greatest bonus to me, a daughter...but not just any daughter, a daughter who I loved with all my heart. I still mourn for you today. I miss our Christmas day cooking adventure. It took both of us and a bottle of red wine to get that huge standing-rib roast just right each year. What absolute fun we had! You would be so proud of Falisha and now a new grandchild, Wayne. We miss you.
Mark
January 26, 2014
I cannot even begin to express how sorry I am to hear that you are gone. I worked for you and Greg for a number of years, and in that time I can't remember a single day when you weren't upbeat or in a good mood. I greatly enjoyed working with you, and cherish that time we had together. I was just thinking about you and hoping to find and friend you on Facebook. I cannot believe that you are gone. My prayers are with your family.
June 13, 2013
Just to let the family know that she is not forgotten. I think about her often and wished she had the opportunity to meet my children, she said God would give me! I know she is smiling down from heaven, watching over her family and friends.
Christina Vannaman Carnley
Jason Munsch
June 12, 2013
I miss you Mom...
Matt Thomas
April 27, 2013
You have been on my mind today. Praying for the family.
Cora Wise
March 27, 2012
Vickie You are forever in my heart, I had the pleasure of having you for a boss and a dear friend, You and Greg came to my rescue when I needed you the most, and I am a shame to say when you needed me I was not there for you because of my illness, I miss you so much, We were friends who picked up where we left off, I have lost a lot of people in my life but the loss of you I cant seem to get over.... You are that one in a million that makes a big Splash in all our hearts. It will soon be a year and you are missed, I love you my Dear sweet friend......
Don Dobbs
February 8, 2012
Mr. Pope and Family,
My name is Don Dobbs, Vicky and I were very close in High School at Kaiserslautern Germany. I have tried over the years to contact her just to see how her life turned out. I am so sorry for your loss, Vicky was a special person and while I am very sad, I am also pleased to know that, with you, her life was wonderful and that she loved and was loved in return. I will carry her memory with me till the end of my days.
Lloyd Reshard
December 11, 2011
Dear Vicky and Family,
Thank you for being such a loving and caring parent and boss. You and your husband Greg gave me my first job and I will never forget the kindness that love that you shared not only with me but with my own mother. I mourn your passing and pray that we get to meet each other again. I will continually keep your family in prayer and be better at staying in contact. Love,
Lloyd Reshard Jr.
J
September 8, 2011
I read this obit and sent told several friends to read it. I am not asmoker but most of them are we are all very touched by this story. Thank you for sharing! This will touch so many lives
foster strain
June 22, 2011
victoria, i didnt even know you but to read your obit was wonderful. i can see why your loved ones will miss you so much, i will let my family read this because i cant seem to get through to them,to stop the smoking, god bless you and your family for sharing this. thank you again
Sharon Dow
June 2, 2011
Dear Family of Victoria, Thank you for sharing this very touching obituary with us. I am so sorry for your loss. I am a respiratory nurse in the VA system. Needless to say, Victoria's story is not uncommon as I have seen so many suffer the effects of cigarette smoking.
I feel sure that you will be a great voice in your communities against tobacco and the companies that promote their products. Thank you in advance.
God Bless and keep you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Sharon Dow
vivian zack
May 30, 2011
I Do not know Victoria, but I was moved by her story. I showed my husband who had just quit tobacco in March. He is still tobacco free.Very Brave and my condolences reach out to the family.
Frances and Jim Pope
May 26, 2011
Dear Daughter-in-Law Vickie
We miss you so much! We are looking forward to celebrating with you at that great feast that Jesus has prepared for all his people! We will see you in eternity one happy day!
Love, Mom and Dad Pope
Marcie
May 26, 2011
God has added another beautiful flower to his ever growing garden in the sky.
Rebecca Mobley
May 25, 2011
I didn't know Victoria but have known Win & Janice for many years. My condolences go out to each of you.
May 24, 2011
I am very touched by this obituary and
I don't even know this woman but she has in her death touched several people as this was sent to me from a friend in hopes of me quitting smoking. I thank her for reaching out to others in her troubled time and felt I should let her and her family know just how much she has given others even in her own death. My condolences go to the family of such a wonderful person. Auburn, NY
May 23, 2011
Even though I do not know this woman...her obituary is touching. I hope this reaches many!!
My thoughts are with the family at this time.
Sharon Rushing
May 22, 2011
After reading what Mrs. Victoria Post wrote I had to take a moment to cry. Of all the doctors and family that have begged me for years to quit smoking She is the one that has given me the #1 reason to quit. I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends. May God watch over you all as i'm sure she will be to. And thank you Mrs. Victoria Post for being strong enough to show all the truth. Sharon Rushing (Crestview, FL)
vee and harold moore
May 21, 2011
what a brave and lovely lady. she thought about others through her pain.
She is with the Angels now.
DeAnn Daniel
May 21, 2011
As I read this, I was instantly thrown back in time. To a time where I had the privilege of working with Vickie at the Coffee Shop, and on my off days, babysitting for Vickie and Greg on their date nights. She was an amazing woman, with a huge heart, and I, for one, feel like this world has suffered an enormous loss with her death. Rest in Peace Vickie. May God be with your family in this terribly sad time.
CONSTANTINA JENNINGS
May 21, 2011
MRS. POPE WAS A GREAT LADY AND I ENJOYED HAVING THOSE LONG TALKS AT NIGHT WHICH ALWAYS MADE MY NIGHT GO A LITTLE BETTER, MRS. POPE YOU WILL DEFINITELY BE MISSED.....CONSTANTINA (RN)
May 20, 2011
What an honor to have taken care of, and known such an amazing lady.
Thoughts and prayers with all.
Jessie RN
christina carnley
May 20, 2011
Greg, May the Lord comfort you and the boys during this time. Vickie's memory will forever be in my heart.
Christina (Vannaman) Carnley
Karen Stevenson
May 20, 2011
May God give the family the strength they will need. I did not know Vickie but I know her story. I have lost too many people to lung cancer: my husband, a brother-in-law and a friend. Vickie's words are very powerful.....I pray they fall on hearing ears.
Sincerely,
Catherine Frye
May 20, 2011
Reading this was like sitting with Vickie and having a chat. She is so present in these words she wanted to share.
So many good memories to cherish.
Jim & Linda
May 19, 2011
To Greg, Mike, your family, and your crew at Accent Signs: please accept our deepest sympathy with the loss of such a special lady. Vickie displayed such bravery as she dealt with her diminishing health and her final message of "nevers" is so inspirational for everyone. May God bless you all.
Greg & Tee Reese
May 19, 2011
"Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Greg and family. Vickie was a Beautiful and courageous woman to the very end. She will be missed by many.May God Bless her and welcome her into heaven and bless your family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Teresa Crawford
May 19, 2011
I have no association with this lovely lady, but am certainly touched by her self-written Obit. Her personal closure was very precious. Sorry for the family's loss, truly.
Maria
May 19, 2011
I did not know Vickie, but her powerful obituary makes me want to share it with my husband who smokes & knows he should quit. He has a difibrillator to prove it!
What an amazing woman Vickie must have been! I hope she knows her words are being shared as they should!
D Culver
May 19, 2011
So very sorry for your loss, Greg. Vickie was such a sweetie and a pleasure to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.
May 19, 2011
I did not know Vickie either but with her final written words she has made an impression on me that I will always remember. I, too, hope that her message is heard by many.
May 19, 2011
I'm so very glad to have known Vickie--a truly special lady. Judy, RN
Donna Hannan
May 19, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers. My father passed away from lung cancer so I understand Victoria's remarks whole heartedly. Take care of each other and you will all be in my prayers.
Tami Toney
May 19, 2011
Vickie,
Thank you for a powerful message. I think you just saved my life.
May 19, 2011
What an incredible obituary. This needs to be printed on the front page of the newspaper.
Nelson
May 19, 2011
God bless you Vickie and your family. I did not know you, but your obituary brought me to tears...your message is strong and I hope that it is heard by many.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Victoria Pope's name
How to support Victoria's loved ones
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 Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
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 moreWays to honor Victoria Pope's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
