of Little Rock, AR
February 16, 1937 - October 5, 2016
Jerry Lynn Carter Pope was a woman of deep personal faith in Jesus Christ, tremendous creativity, and overflowing love for her family and friends.
Jerry, 79, passed away October 5, 2016, peacefully at home with her husband and children at her side. She was born February 16, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Lester Clyde and Vera Carter. She grew up in Stuttgart, Arkansas, attended Ouachita Baptist College and graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Music. On June 19, 1960, she was married to Norton Allen Pope, M.D. of Camden, Arkansas. During Norton's time in medical school and residency she had five children.
Jerry loved the teachings of the Bible. She would spend countless hours reading and studying the Bible to understand truth and wisdom. She was a good teacher and was not shy about sharing her biblical convictions. She had quite the reputation for asking pointed questions and giving blunt answers. She found many ways to teach including teaching 4th grade, leading a young married Sunday school, co-leading numerous church community groups, and never missing an opportunity to teach her children.
Jerry thrived by sharing her creativity with others. She loved the patina of old wood, the warmth of layered textiles, the intrigue of architectural pieces, and the complex beauty of flower arrangements. She treasured any opportunity to decorate by helping friends transform a room or by creating table decorations and flower arrangements for special occasions. She was always on the lookout for thoughtful and quirky gifts to give people; you always knew a ''Jerry gift.'' She dabbled in the composition of photography, and each year would use one of her own photographs to make her Christmas cards. An accomplished violinist and piano player, she played for church and many other events. She wrote endearing and hilarious songs about her friends, and she wrote a lullaby to sing her children and grandchildren to sleep.
Jerry was a loyal friend that pursued living in community with other Christian believers. She had many acquaintances and a core group of women she met with for decades; they called themselves the Book Club. Jerry's most recent ministry was the Forget Me Nots, a group she started to help new women church members get connected. Her friends appreciated her wisdom and cherished her precious smile that let them know they were loved and accepted. Jerry always wanted to know your story, and insisted that sharing each other's life story was an essential foundation to deep friendship.
Jerry loved her family. She never stopped teaching and modeling good character and biblical truth to her children. She helped create fond memories and intentional moments for her family through traditions such as Family Time on Sunday night, hiking and canoeing trips to the Buffalo River and elaborate birthday dinner celebrations. The family's most enduring tradition is Cabin Christmas. This was Jerry's masterpiece that embodied her faith, creativity and love of family.
In the weeks and month leading to her death, Jerry experienced much joy and laughter as she was surrounded by family and friends that loved her. Jerry placed her hope in Jesus Christ. She is now one with Christ. Jerry was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Norton Allen Pope, M.D.; her five children and spouses David (Paula) Pope, M.D., Deborah (Wayne) Huff, Beth (Will) Laughlin, Jonathan (Megan) Pope, and Bill (Bronwen) Pope; thirteen grandchildren Nicole and Andrea Pope, Natalie (Blake) Barousse, Nathan, T.J., Emma, and Micah Huff, Colton Laughlin, Anderson Pope, Hannah, Noa, Kenson, and Caeden Pope; one great grandchild Blake Barousse, Jr.; two sisters Shirley (Bud) Henderson, and Mary (Dale) Keeton; and several nieces and nephews.
A service honoring Jerry's life will be held on Monday, October 10th, at 11:00 AM at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road in Little Rock. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 9th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock.
Memorials may be made to Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock.
Sign Guestbook
20 Condolence(s)
Mike Wilson
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Dear David, so glad to hear your mom is dead.
Dean and Patricia Ashworth
Sunday, October 16, 2016
To Jerry's family,
We were sad to hear about Jerry. She was a wonderful example to all who knew her. Our children , along with Jerry's, have many sweet memories in the Immanuel Baptist Church youth group.
Ours prayers are with all of you.
Dean and Patricia Ashworth
Pat blackmon
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Norton. We are so sorry to learn about your loss of Jerry. She was a very sweet lady and a joy to be around. You and your family are in my prayers.
David and Carolyn Parson
Monday, October 10, 2016
Norton, you and your family are in our prayers. We only learned about your great loss late this afternoon. We are so sorry.
Earl and Nancy Smith
Monday, October 10, 2016
So sorry to hear about Jerry. It meant so much to our lives being in the Pope Sunday School class at Immanuel. Her work touched so many lives. We cherish the memories of our friendship.
Andrew Meadors
Sunday, October 9, 2016
She was one great lady with a great sense of inner peace. The entire Pope family can be so proud of the life she lived.
Dr. and Mrs. Bill Hayden
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you all.
Dr. Bill and Joyce Hayden
Sharon Laney
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Beth , so sorry about you & your families loss. Her obituary reflects an amazing lady . Prayers for you all ðŸ™
Len and Sherry Lowman
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Norton and family-
We are so sorry for your loss. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to ask for comfort and peace to fill your hearts.
Jerry was a funny, creative and thoughtful woman. She will be missed.
Pat Pflugrad
Saturday, October 8, 2016
I. Was so sorry to read about Jerry. She was always so interesting, and I loved receiving her Christmas cards. She was so delightful and always so personable. I will miss seeing that delightful smile. May God bless you and your family.
Fred & Janell Haynie
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Beth and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Jerry was one of the sweetest ladies I have known. I enjoyed working with her in our parent's gymnastics effort. I was always amazed at how she always looked so perfect at all times. We will always remember those times and think of her.
Mark and Holly Mathisen
Saturday, October 8, 2016
We send our most heartfelt condolences to the Pope family.
Sharon & Robert Hallmark
Friday, October 7, 2016
This picture of Jerry is how we will always remember her - with that big, beautiful smile and living life to the fullest! She and Norton were wonderful mentors when they taught our young married SS class, then we were blessed by having David marry into our family, staying connected through him and Paula, Nicole and Andrea. Jerry gave her wisdom and love to so many of us and we were truly blessed when our paths in life crossed. To her family: may your many friends be of comfort to you, your faith uphold you through the days ahead, and your loving memories of this remarkable woman help you to smile again soon.
Rick kersey
Friday, October 7, 2016
So,so sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts & prayers!
Sid & Mary Sample
Friday, October 7, 2016
We extend our sympathy and prayers to the entire family.
God bless all of you and give you comfort and peace.
CC (Bailey) Phillips
Friday, October 7, 2016
I have wonderful memories of Beth and mom loved the Pope family. Prayers of comfort and peace for your family.
Thomas S. Ryan
Friday, October 7, 2016
I am sorry for your loss.
I grew up down the street from the Pope house and considered it to be a second home.
Your family with be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thomas S. Ryan
J. Floyd & Pat Kyser
Friday, October 7, 2016
Knowiing that Jerry now walks with God will give you and the entire Pope family comfort and peace. Pat and Floyd Kyser
Margo Cody Timmons
Friday, October 7, 2016
I have many happy childhood memories spent in the Carter home with Jerry and Shirley. I can hear Jerry laugh even today. Margo
Jack Hoskyn
Friday, October 7, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of Jerry's death. And offer my heartfelt condolences to Norton and her family.