In Honor of a Special Friend, Theresa E. Pope
Eva M. Doyle and Theresa E. Pope
I am saddened by the lost of a special friend. I woke up last weekend to the news that my good friend, Theresa E. Pope had passed away. Theresa E. Pope was a long time friend, colleague, supporter, and partner in my es say and scholarship programs. She always attended my programs at the Frank E. Merriweather Library. She was a consistent judge in my essay contests and helped to select the winners of the Romeo Doyle Muhammad Scholarship. When she could not come in person to help judge the essays, I would drop off several of the entries and she would judge them at home. We talked on the phone a lot. When she attended the Scholarship awards pro gram, she would speak to the students and encourage them to keep doing good work. It will not be the same at these programs without the presence of Mrs. Theresa Pope. She had such a positive impact on our community and students.
My adult children remember Mrs. Pope foundly be cause growing up they attended Second Temple Baptist church located at 812 East Delevan avenue where Mrs. Pope and her family were longtime members. My son Jesse Doyle remarked recently, that Mrs. Pope was like family. Many of the facebook posts where I posted a picture of Mrs. Pope were from colleagues and students in the Buffalo Public schools where Theresa work as an Administrator. She worked as an Assistant Principal at Hutch Tech High School, Mckinley High, Seneca Vocational and at the Performing Arts Academy. There was a great deal of respect for her as a Vice-Principal. One former student remarked that in spite of her short stature, she did not play. She demanded respect and discipline from the students and she got it!! One student remarked that Mrs. Pope had a lot of class. The remarks on Facebook were from love and admiration for a woman who really made a difference as an administrator.
I will miss attending the Buffalo Retired Teachers As sociation (BRTA) luncheon with Theresa. We always sat together and if I was late, she would always save me a seat. She was very active with the BRTA and very supportive. She took many photos of our members, especially during the luncheon. She knew everyone and was well-liked. The BRTA held luncheons in the spring, summer and fall with a holiday luncheon at Salvatore’s in December. It won’t be the same without Theresa.
Theresa was one of the Roses for Outstanding Women Honorees in 2011. Mrs. Pope was also a supporter of the Criterion Newspaper which she read regularly. She was a dedicated member of the Alpa Kappa Sorority, Inc. She made her mark as a community and civic leader. In honor of Theresa E. Pope, I will dedicate the Scholarship Pro gram on July 6, 2024 in memory of her. Her spirit will always be with me in doing the essay programs at the Merriweather Library. Theresa leaves to mourn her memory a daughter, Michea Pope – Moss, a son Jerry Pope, jr. and several grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was married to the Late Jerry Pope, Sr. who was also an Administrator in the Buffalo Schools.
Funeral Services were planned for Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Second Temple Baptist Church located at 812 East Delavan where the Pastor is Milton French. My con dolences to the family and friends of Theresa E. Pope. Rest in Peace Mrs. Pope in the Loving Arms of God. Peace and Love forever!!