Obituaries

With humble respect, Sewell Mortuary in Grantville announces the transition of Toni Pope on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021.

The funeral service will be Sunday, May 16th, 2:00 PM at Mt Sinai Baptist Church Gay Ga.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Saturday the 15th, at Sewell Mortuary.

Toni Lynn Taylor-Pope entered this life August 17, 1957 in Brownsville, TN born to Rev. John T. Taylor Sr (deceased) and Linnie Ruth Taylor. Toni professed her faith in Christ at an early age at Columbus Baptist Church, Memphis, TN under the leadership of Rev. A. E. Campbell Sr where she participated in many youth activities. In 1971, Toni united with Union Missionary Baptist Church, Memphis TN under the leadership of Rev. R.E. Plunkett where she served as Youth Choir Director and Miss Union Baptist Church. She was a faithful member until her Father organized Taylor Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where Toni participated as a guest Sunday School Teacher and Speaker. Toni moved to Atlanta, GA where she continued her work in the ministry at Discover Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Willie Mae Pitts. Toni obtained her Evangelist license under Central Georgia Jurisdiction Church Of God In Christ, Inc. and worked as Pastor and Church Administrator until her transition.

Toni’s educational accomplishments were many. Toni graduated from Westwood High School in 1975; Lemoyne-Owen College (cum laude) 1979 with a B.S. Degree in Accounting; Master’s Degree in Finance from Atlanta University in 1979; and a Master’s Degree in Church Leadership and Counseling from C.D. Owens Theological Seminary.

Toni facilitated many classes in Accounting, Tax Preparation and Church Administration at Discover Ministries and throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.

Toni worked as a Chief Financial Officer at South Fulton Senior Services for 30 years under the leadership of Betty and Diane Rutherford, a Management Employee at the U.S. Postal Services where she gained many close friends and co-workers especially Priscilla Dennis whom she mentored until her death.

November 10, 2001 She was united in Matrimony with Lawrence Pope of Gay Georgia, who later became Pastor of Discovery Ministries.

Toni leaves her devoted husband-Lawrence Pope, faithful companion-Tiffany, MotherLinnie Ruth Taylor, Sisters-Paula Taylor and Corliss Macklin, Nieces-Adrienne & Samantha Macklin (great-niece, Marcia Johnson) and Nephews-James Springfield Jr. Christian and Jeremiah Macklin. She was a loving spiritual mom to Janet McGruder (Ronnie), Lawrence Scott Pope, Jennifer Pope, Deishurnae Pope, LaTeikka Pope and Angela Pope, 7 grandsons and 7 grand-daughters and 3 great-grandsons. Her pastor Dr. Willie Mae Pitts (1) God Sister Trina Houston, Sister in Christ Mary Newsome, Best Friends Diane, Sherry and Bessie, longtime hairstylist Lawanna Gray-Carter, a loving church family, a host of sister/brother in laws, coworkers, family and friends. Toni departed this life on May 11, 2021 at her home with her loving husband and close family members by her side.

Toni was a loving and caring woman, devoted wife, step-mother, and friend, always thinking of others first. She loved studying the word, watching Perry Mason, bonding with Tiffany and as she would say “spending a dollar” To know her was to love her.