Promoting literacy lies at the heart of this educator, Mrs. Pope,
a teacher for over 20 years at Leal School in Urbana, Illinois.
Mrs. Gladys Rhodes Pope is a 1958 graduate of Danville High School,
Danville, Illinois. Mrs. Pope graduated with a Bachelor and Master
Degree in Education from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Pope
was married to the late Lt. Paul Lawrence Pope, and they are the
parents of three children; Katherine, Elizabeth and Paul Martin.
At Leal School, Mrs. Pope put forth an extra effort to motivate
and enhance basic skills of her high-risk students in Reading,
Writing, and Drama. These programs improved the self-esteem of
all students in her classroom. Mrs. Pope felt all students came
to her classroom with a special gift.
She is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, A.M.E. Stewardess and
Missionary, Foster Parents from 1967 to 1998; Mentored high risk
students in 1997 - 2001;Y.W.C.A. Black Achievement Award Honoree
1989 - 1998; Baha'i Community Award - 1987; Martin Luther King
A.M.E. Award - 1989; Bethel A.M.E. Missionary of the Year - 1999;
A.M.E. Outstanding Service Award - 1997.
Mrs. Pope's hobbies are collecting plates commemorating churches,
writing short plays and poetry. She published a poem, "Mrs.
Lucy's Fine Lace". Her activities include gifts and support
for community programs, sponsored by POPE FOR PEACE Foundation.
Gladys Rhodes Pope
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denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section
of the National Council of Negro Women.