Jean W (Strunk) Pope

Jean W. Pope, age 97, of Knoxville, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at her home. A long-standing member of First United Methodist Church in Morristown, she embodied independence and resilience throughout her life. She was a great lady and had an historic impact for our nation with her dedication and work in the Ridge on the Manhattan Project during the War effort.  A devoted mother, her love will forever be cherished.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas W. Pope; her sons, Ricky and Charles Wayne Pope; her father, William "Bill" Strunk; her mother, Hattie Ross Murphy; her sister, Evelyn Babb; her brothers, Bill and Chet Murphy; and her nephew, Donald Babb.

She leaves behind a legacy through her children: Phillip G. Pope of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Pamela Pope Cannon of Roswell, GA; and Gregory Thomas Pope of San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. Her grandchildren—Drew Cannon, Kelly Coates, Dean Cannon, Leslie and Alex Pope, and Phillip Charles Pope—along with ten great-grandchildren, continue her spirit. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Murphy; her sister, Julie Strickland; and her nephew, Stephen Babb.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Morristown. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Dennie Humprey officiating, celebrating a life well-lived. Interment will take place at Jarnagin Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.

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