Willie Eugene Pope

In Memoriam: Willie Eugene Pope

"May the songs he sang and the love he shared continue to echo in our hearts."

We celebrate a life rooted in faith, family, and music, a legacy that continues to echo through all who loved him. Willie Eugene Pope entered eternal rest on a beautifully snow covered afternoon, December 9, 2025. He was born on November 13, 1939, in Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina, to the late Oliver James Pope, Sr., and Clara Minnie Cloninger Pope. At the time of his passing, he was 86 years old.

Willie was raised as the seventh of ten children in a loving family rooted in strong values. From an early age, his life was grounded in faith and guided by parents who believed in keeping God at the center and family close. They raised their children surrounded by faith, music, and love. Willie was baptized at Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church in Hickory, North Carolina, where his spiritual foundation was formed and his lifelong love of singing began. At just five years old, he joined his mother and siblings in song as a member of the Pope Singers, a joy that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Willie was educated in the Hickory Public School System and attended Ridgeview High School, where he sang in the choir and played football. He graduated in 1959 and received a music scholarship to Winston-Salem State University. While at WSSU, he sang in the university choir and became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc in 1961 and in 1964 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Music and Elementary Education. He later continued his education at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), where he earned a Master of Arts in Education in 1974.

After graduation, Willie began his career in Portsmouth, Virginia, specializing in math and science at the elementary level. He taught for a time in Catawba County, North Carolina, before returning to Portsmouth, where he would later reconnect with the woman who would become his wife. Willie and Jessie had known each other for years as they both grew up in two small towns about 18 miles away from each other and had attended opposing high schools. A chance meeting at a Norfolk State basketball game led to courtship and eventually marriage. In 1966, Willie married Jessie Ann Isbell. Together, they shared 59 years and 8 months of marriage and were blessed with one daughter, Chemene Janel Pope Jackson.

Willie and Jessie were devoted educators, living and working in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Fort Pierce, Florida, before settling in Hampton, Virginia. Both taught in the Hampton City Schools, where Willie taught at the elementary and middle school levels until his retirement in 2001. Following retirement, Willie opened his own lawn care business, serving local customers with pride, dedication, and a warm smile for many years.

Willie shared a particularly close bond with his daughter, offering unwavering support, wisdom, and unconditional love throughout her life. Although Willie and Jessie had one child together, Willie became a surrogate father to many others. They opened their home to nieces, nephews, and extended family, providing emotional and financial support to countless children over the years. He was a model of stability and unmistakable presence never quiet, sometimes loud, but always modest, and forever influential.

Willie and Jessie grounded their family in a strong faith in Christ when they joined Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church. Willie faithfully served as a member of the Trustee Board, Presbyterian Men's Council, and the William F. Crump Sanctuary Choir. Though education was his profession, music was his passion. He sang in the choir for more than 40 years. He notably wrote the words and melody for "Welcome To Our House", Carver church's welcome song. His voice became a cherished soundtrack in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Willie was a devoted family man who cherished both his biological family and those he gained through marriage. He made a conscious effort to stay connected with loved ones near and far, especially those back in North Carolina where he was raised. The Popes were a party all by themselves. "The Popes" as they were affectionately called would sit around the table telling jokes and singing songs, celebrating each other in word and song. Beyond his many roles, Willie will be remembered for his joy-filled spirit, quick wit, boisterous laugh, love for people, and his willingness to help anyone in need. Willie never met a stranger and if he did, they wouldn't remain one for long.

Willie enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Les Hommes Social and Civic Club, supporting community service and fellowship, and continued sharing his love of singing through the organization's choral group. An avid bowler, Willie participated in multiple leagues in Hampton, Virginia, and later in Houston, Texas. He loved playing cards, listening to and singing jazz music, fishing and watching football with his grandson, having in depth conversations with his granddaughter, and passionately cheering for his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Win, lose, or draw, Dallas all the way. His favorite saying, "How 'bout them Cowboys!" could often be heard on Sunday afternoons.

In his later years, Willie enjoyed traveling to Aruba with his wife, friends, and family, and treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren in Houston, Texas.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his brothers Oliver J. Pope, Jr. and Melvin S. Pope; his sisters Gwendolyn Pope Tucker and Doris Pope Sanders; brothers-in-law Rev. James Isbell, Sr., Theodore Isbell, and Phillip Isbell; and sisters-in-law Betty Isbell Davis and Norma Isbell Harris.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jessie Ann Isbell Pope; his daughter, Chemene Pope Jackson (Joseph), of Houston, Texas; his cherished grandchildren, Lauryn Jackson and Zachary Jackson; his brothers George Pope of Hickory, North Carolina, and Allen Pope (Linda) of Orlando, Florida; his sisters Alda Lynch and Linda Pope of Hickory, North Carolina, and Rosemary McCorkle of Newton, North Carolina; his brothers-in-law Harold Isbell (Linda) George Isbell, Sr. (Carolyn) and Dean Harris (La Tonia); his sister-in-law Azalea Berry; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will forever carry his legacy in their hearts. His journey was complete, his impact immeasurable, and his legacy secure in all who were blessed to know him.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church. Entombment will be in Parklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in remembrance of Willie Pope.

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