Doris Jean Pope

Doris Jean Whitfield Pope was born on September 26, 1942 in Gray Ridge, Missouri to Gennet Whitfield and Charline Whitfield Mead. She was the second oldest of 12 siblings, six boys and six girls. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by five brothers, Robert Whitfield, Ronald Mead, Albert Mead, Larry Mead and Albert Charles Whitfield, four sisters, Mamie Mead, Baby Girl Mead, Aura Lue Hampton and Paulette Bledsoe, and a special companion, Clifton Farr.

At an early age, Doris accepted Christ. She was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn, Missouri under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Minner. As part of her ministry, she served on the Usher board and blessed the church as a part of the cooking committee, putting her heart into everything she made. She maintained a personal relationship with God throughout the years.

Doris worked hard. She spent many years as the head cook in the Lilbourn School District’s cafeteria before eventually retiring. With her work ethic, there was nothing she could not do. She worked everywhere she went and usually ended up in her favorite place, the kitchen.

Her love for meal preparation extended to her family as well. In her leisure time, she enjoyed catering to them, especially providing her famous soul food. She also took pleasure in doing 3,000- and 4,000-piece puzzles that she turned into décor around her home and watching her favorite shows on television.

Doris took pride in doing for and making others happy. She never drove in her life but always managed to get everywhere she needed to go. Doris was always calm, never loud. As a gentle, quiet storm, she never had too much to say, but if you asked, she would respond with much wisdom and knowledge.

On Sunday, February 1, 2026 Doris transitioned to her heavenly home at the age of 83 years, four months and six days. Her and her wisdom will be truly missed.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her sons, Anthony Pope of St. Louis, Missouri and Aubrey Pope of Howardville, Missouri, her daughters, Sherrie Thomas of St. Louis, Missouri and Rhonda (Mark) Clemons of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, her brother, Ervin Mead of Lilbourn, Missouri, her sister, Gloria (Ron) Carter of Lilbourn, Missouri, 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, a bonus granddaughter, Delisha “LeLe” Jenkins, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn, Missouri with Pastor Darryl Minner officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Simmons Park Cemetery in Catron, Missouri with the Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.