Helen Louise Pope

Helen Louise Johnson Pope completed her earthly journey and entered Heaven's gates on December 14, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Helen was born on March 23, 1938 to John A. Johnson and Lilly Bird Pryor Johnson, and was one of five siblings. In her early life she enjoyed piano lessons, playing school, caring for her siblings, and making stops into the local candy store on the way home from school any chance she got. Upon graduation from high school, she attended University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton Texas, where she received her Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and eventually her master’s degree in education. On July 29th, 1972 she married James R. Pope. They made a home in Temple, Texas and enjoyed 25 years of marriage. She taught in the school system and was a principal for 34 years before retiring in May of 1994. Upon retirement, she supervised student teachers and was a dedicated volunteer with Scott & White for many years. In 2016 she moved to Iola, Texas and enjoyed several years of fun, friends and family.

Helen's love for others was a true gift that she used well. She was constantly caring, cooking, feeding, shopping for, and supporting others. She loved to host her family for any occasion, but especially the holidays, always making sure each person felt cared for and treasured in her special way. Often, her piano music filled the walls of her home and the church with beautiful songs. Her joy and smile were contagious to all that surrounded her.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Alonzo Johnson and Lilly Bird Pryor Johnson, her brothers John Cecil Johnson and Willis Howard Johnson, her sister Lucille Elaine Johnson Taylor, her husband James Roy Pope and her daughter Jennnifer Lou Pope Dees.

She is survived in death by her brother Cloyce Ronald Johnson, her son James Les Pope, two grandchildren, Johnny Cuba and Tina Cuba, many nieces and nephews as well as great and great­ great nieces and nephews.