Frances Voigt Pope

Frances Voigt Pope, born September 27, 1920, went home to be with her Lord on May 9, 2015. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Ruby O’Barr Voigt and William Carl Voigt (Wilhelm Christian Carl Voigt). She graduated from Phillips High School and attended Birmingham Southern College where she met, for the second time, her future husband, Ernest Vaughn Pope. Their first meeting had been at a ballroom dance class where Vaughn counted the number of girls and boys lined up on each side so he could place himself in line to be her dance partner. They married October 14, 1942.

After Vaughn’s honorable discharge from the Army in February 1946, they returned to Auburn University where she attended art classes and worked while Vaughn finished his education. She remained an avid Auburn football fan (WAR EAGLE!) and enjoyed post-game discussions with her brother, William C. Voigt, who predeceased her in 2014. Her sister, whom she also missed very much, Helen Voigt Schoppert, passed in 2012. Frances is survived by her daughter, Lynne Veerman (Ralph), granddaughter, Carol Sears (Ed), step-grandchildren Leslie Chalfont (Frank), Mark Veerman (Courtney), Jennifer Velker (Dan). Her great grandchildren are: Kyle and Zach Sears, Lauren Chalfont Yochum and Bailey Chalfont, James, Emma and William Veerman, Virginia, Aubrey and Amelia Velker. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Jim Greene.

She enjoyed her volunteer work for many years, especially at the Casselberry Library and as an Adult Literacy League tutor. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland and was active in the Altar Guild and Mary Martha Circle until it became difficult to attend.

In her final year at Westminster Towers, many friends enjoyed addressing her as “Pope Frances”. She was much loved by her family and friends who perceived her as a sweet, spunky Southern belle.

With her background as a fashion model, she kept a lifelong interest in fashion and clothing, always ‘dressed to the nines’. Years ago, a co-worker said “Frances Pope has been with Mark, Fore and Strike for nine years. Through Fran’s efforts, the Winter Park store is kept in constant color-motion. She changes the displays several times a week. She ‘interviews’ each piece as it is brought to the floor, to discover its best potential and color coordinates. When Fran puts an outfit together, the whole thing sells – right down to the baubles, bangles and beads. If we had underwear beneath her displays, that would go too. Fran is a faithful and loved employee.”

We celebrate the hope of the resurrection, knowing Fran is enjoying the rich colors and beauty of heaven on her best Mother’s Day ever!

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frances Pope may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 220 East Horatio Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751.