Jerry Lewis Pope
A celebration of life for Jerry Lewis Pope, “The Pope” who died November 29, 2019, was held December 4, 2019, at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Jimmy Horton, pastor; Rev. Gayle Swift Middlebrook, eulogist. Burial was in Mt. Olive Church Cemetery.
Mr. Pope entered this world on December 5, 1957, with his larger-than-life presence. He was born in Jasper County to Mary Lou Whidby and the late Willie Wise. He entered into eternal life on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019 {John 5:24}.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Mary Lou Johnson, and a sister, Ranita Wise.
As a child, Jerry was slicker than butter, and cooler than ice. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1975, where he was an unmatched athlete. He served his coun-try in the United States Army for six years. For 18 years, he was a dedicated employee at Georgia-Pacific in Monticello.
Jerry Pope was a Jack of all trades. He had the courage and faith of David when he fought Goliath {1 Samuel 17}. He was a bold leader, a candid mentor, a father to the fatherless, intelligent, handsome, charming, and naturally humorous. Also, Jerry was extremely loyal, honest, and dependable. J.P. had a passion for dogs and he was the original dog whisperer. If he liked you, he greeted you with a loud audacious dog bark.
He was a Horseshoe King and a Spade Master. Pope never met a stranger and everyone knew his name. He was considered the community celebrity, “The Pope,” and his children’s superhero. Lastly and most importantly, he accepted God as his Lord and Savior {Romans 10:9-10}.
Mr. Pope leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted mother, caregiver, and his heartbeat, Mary Lou Whidby; eight daughters, Yasheka Banks of Covington, Katronia Banks of Monroe, Antionette Pope (James) Ray of Atlanta, Latasha Pope of Monroe, Shaquavia Banks of Monroe, Quisha “Short Cake” Smith of Monroe, Turkessa Sheats of Monroe, and Jerrica Smith, also of Monroe; an adopted son, Shariff Kelly; a sister, Shirley (Trent) LaVaughn; four brothers, Andrew (Faye) Whidby, Jr., of Shady Dale, Alvin (TaWanda) Whidby of Louisville, Ky., John (Larita) Whidby of Lithonia, and James Wise of Monticello; 21 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, five aunts and three uncles. Also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a multitude of friends, and a loyal friend, whom he considered a brother, Joe Tripp. In his passing, Pope is reunited in brotherhood with one of his best friends, David Roberson.
Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.