Pope Jackson Mulherin passed away on August 31, 2024, in Jackson, TN at the age of 73. Born on July 15, 1951, in Jackson, TN, Pope grew up in Mercer, TN, the son of Joe Jackson and Annie Sue Pope Mulherin.
Pope was known for his generosity, positivity, and integrity. He was a proud Eagle Scout and spent many formative summers at Camp Miniwanca on Lake Michigan. As a teenager, Pope returned to the camp as a counselor, where he met his future wife, Deborah. His experiences shaped his character and instilled in him a lifelong love of nature, leadership, and community.
After graduating from South Side High School, he attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he earned his B.S. and was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He continued his academic journey at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN, graduating from pharmacy school in 1977. He spent many years of his early career as a community pharmacist in Jackson, TN. The remaining years of his professional career were spent at The Learning House, a teacher supply store that he co-founded in 1981.
Pope’s love for his community was evident through his involvement with Jackson Area Wide Soccer (JAWS), where he served as a board member for many years and President of the organization at the time of his passing.
A lifelong fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, Pope also found joy in traveling, spending quality time with family, golfing and serving his church community at the Mercer Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He trusted in Jesus as his Savior and lived a life that reflected that faith.
He is survived by his beloved son, David Mulherin and his wife, Diana, of Nashville, TN; his devoted daughter, Jennifer Peterson and her husband, Mitchell, of San Jose Del Cabo; and his treasured grandchildren, Mercer Mulherin, Remi Mulherin, Maverick Peterson, and Bodhi Peterson. The love he shared with his family was profound, and they will forever carry his spirit and memory with them.
Along with his parents, Pope was preceded in death by his wife Deborah “Deb” Mulherin in 2018.
SERVICES: A funeral service to celebrate Pope’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. Burial will follow in Old Ebenezer Cemetery near Mercer, TN.
Visitation for Pope will be held on September 6, 2024, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and continuing until the service at 2:00 p.m.
His warm smile, kind heart, and dedication to his community will be deeply missed, but those who loved him will always remember him with fondness and gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 4009 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 209, Nashville, TN 37215 or online at www.komen.org in Pope’s memory.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 731.668.1111
