Wannie Jean Pope

Wannie Jean Hicks Pope, age 95, of Pine Bluff, passed away on August 10, 2025 in Little Rock, AR. The third of seven children, she was born on November 23, 1929 in Pine Bluff, AR to Robert I. Hicks and Gladys Yaney Hicks. She graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1947 and worked briefly after graduation as a secretary in the administration office of her alma mater. Later in her life, she did part-time bookkeeping at John A. Pope Furniture Co. in Pine Bluff.
Inheriting her family's artistic talents, Wannie learned to play the piano at an early age and served as the church organist for a number of years at what was then called Carr Memorial Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. Though she was accomplished in reading music, she could also play tunes by ear, and could charm listeners with such favorites as "Embraceable You," playing as well as some jazz pianists.
Wannie married John E. Pope on Valentine's Day in 1949, and their marriage lasted 67 years until John's death in 2016. They had two children: Helen Jean (Jeanie), and Amy. A devoted mother, Wannie was her girls' number one fan. She supported all their activities and gave them the unconditional love that every child needs.
She was a superb seamstress and knitter, making most of her daughters' clothes through their high school years. She was forced to become an excellent cook, in order to deal with the peculiar tastes of her picky eater girls.
After her children left home, Wannie's life became even happier with the arrival of three grandchildren who were the apples of her eye. She and John loved nothing more than to take their grandchildren on trips, have them spend the night, and generally shower affection and attention on them. When great-grandchildren came into their lives, it was utter joy.
Traveling with friends through the years was a highlight for Wannie and John, and they were fortunate to have good health until they were both well up into their eighties.
Wannie had a strong Christian faith and was an active member of Carr Memorial Methodist Church, and later Lakeside United Methodist Church. She was a woman of great compassion, great humor, and great fun.
Her last years were limited by dementia and aphasia, however, she continued to provide a role model for her family through her acceptance of her condition, her dignity and grace.
She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by a sister, Patricia Newell of Denver, CO; two daughters, Jeanie Burton (Greg) of North Little Rock and Amy Miller of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Clay Miller of Little Rock, Seth Miller (Crystal), of Little Rock, and Sarah Miller Wingard of Pine Bluff; two great-grandchildren, Lucy Miller of Brooklyn, NY, and Cillian Miller of Little Rock; extended family member, Larry Miller of Pine Bluff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at the Woodland Heights Memory Care floor where Wannie lived for the past three years, especially Saundra Maxwell, Carol Hawkins, and Octavia Whitaker- they are true angels.
A graveside memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Graceland Cemetery with Reverend David Freeman officiating by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St., Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
Online register: www.RobinsonFuller.com