Tributes

Stella Cumpian Pope, a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman of deep faith whose life was rooted in service and family, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 31, 2026 while surrounded by her loving family. Stella was born on December 13, 1938, to Adolph and Anna Cumpian of Poteet, Texas. Stella was one of nine children. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Cumpian, Sr. and sister Irene Ortiz. She is survived by her brothers Johnny Cumpian and Adolph Cumpian and sisters Alice Orta, Ernestine Arguijo, Mary Helen Verastigui and Beatrice Trevino. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Deacon Charles F. Pope, Sr.; her sons, Charles F. Pope, Jr. (Debra), Steve Pope (Peggy), John Pope, Sr. (Vera), and James Pope (Lee); and her daughters, Debra Longino and Janice Uptergrove (Bill). She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Pope-Wright. She was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Stella was deeply committed to her faith in Jesus Christ and to her church. She served faithfully at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, where she was active in leading the choir and, alongside her husband Deacon Pope, participated in burial services for parish families. Her life of service to her Lord God reflected in her quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) before working at Kelly Air Force Base. After 18 years of devoted and respected Federal Civilian Service, she retired in April 2001 due to Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Stella will be remembered for her grace, faith-filled life, and steadfast dedication to her family, church, and community. Her legacy of love and service will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her. Pallbearers will be her grandsons: John Pope, Jr., Jonathan Velez, Matthew Pope, Derek Pope, Dwight Pope, and Christian Hernandez. Visitation will be held on February 20, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, with the reciting of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated on February 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, followed by interment at the Adolph G. Cumpian Family Cemetery.

Tributes

Stella Cumpian Pope

December 13, 1938 - January 31, 2026