Deborah J. Pope

Deborah Jean Pope, 71, of Creston, Iowa entered eternal rest Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at her home in Creston. As per Deborah’s request, she was cremated and no local services are planned. Deborah’s cremated remains will be buried in the Cow Pen Pond Cemetery in Grand Ridge, Florida at a later date. Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston, Iowa was in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Deborah was born in Chattahoochee, Florida on December 18, 1952, the daughter of Julian Waddell and Eldis Jane (Basford) Pope. She grew up in Grand Ridge, Florida, attended school there and played the Coronet in her high school marching band. Deborah graduated High School with the Class of 1970. 

Deborah was a highly educated woman and an avid reader. She received an Undergraduate degree at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Florida; her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; her Master of Divinity from Union Seminary in New York, New York and was ordained in the United Church of Christ, pastoring UCC churches and United Methodist churches in Chamois, Missouri, Algona, Iowa and Creston, Iowa. 

In her spare time, Deborah played a vicious game of Trivial Pursuit and loved old movies, especially those starring Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Deborah Cooper and Gary Cooper, to name a few. She also loved to cook.

Preceding Deborah in death was her father, Julian Pope; her maternal grandparents: L.D. (Renzie) and Susie Daniels Basford; and her paternal grandparents: Julian Bryan and Eunice (Waddell) Pope.

Deborah is survived by her son, Rowan Pope of Des Moines, Iowa; her mother, Eldis (Basford) Pope of Marianna, Florida; a brother, Julian Waddell Pope, Jr. of California; and 3 sisters: Barbara Gail Pope of Marianna, Florida; Dora Pope Orr (husband David) of Jacksonville, Florida; and Jennifer Pope Mallow (husband Kevin) of Valdosta, Georgia. She is also survived by 3 nephews; 1 niece; 1 great-niece; 2 maternal aunts and many cousins.