Carrie Alice Lee Pope

Carrie Alice Lee Pope was born January 6, 1892. She was the daughter of General Cass Lee and Luetta Smith Lee. She attended the Champaign Public and High Schools and graduated from the University of Illinois. During her early years, she was a staunch member of the Bethel A.M.E Church, the Senior Choir, The Willing Workers Club, the Lou Anna Riley Women's Missionary Society, and she was a Sunday School teacher. While attending the U of I, she became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. After graduation, she began her teaching career in Lynchburg, VA, gave private music lessons in piano, and taught religious education.

On September 16, 1917, she was married to Cecil Pope and to this union six children were born: George L., Cecil A., Carrie L. Pope Banks, Sarah E. Pope Potter, Esther G. Pope Scroggins, and Paul L. Pope.

She was involved in many community activities, including being an active member of Church Women United. She was also involved with The Douglass Center Senior Citizens, was the Past Matron of Deborah Chapter #27 Order of Eastern Star, and was Past President and President of District #41 Mothers of WWII. She was also a licensed Practical Nurse.

In recognition of her work, she was presented an award for "outstanding service to the community" by the Champaign-Urbana Community Recognition Committee. The officers and members of the Lou Anna Riley Missionary Society also recognized her sixteen year-long presidency, describing her as "a woman of love, humility and compassion; always to be remembered and loved for the legacy which continues to guide the work of the Society.”

Carrie Alice Lee Pope died November 26, 1978.