Pope Jackson Mulherin

Pope Jackson Mulherin died Aug. 31, 2024, in Jackson at the age of 73. Born on July 15, 1951, in Jackson, Pope grew up in Mercer, Tenn., the son of Joe Jackson and Annie Sue Pope Mulherin.

After graduating from South Side High School, he attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he earned his B.S. He continued his academic journey at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, graduating from pharmacy school in 1977. He spent many years of his early career as a community pharmacist in Jackson. 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 is survived by his beloved son, David Mulherin and his wife, Diana, of Nashville; 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. 

Along with his parents, Pope was preceded in death by his wife Deborah “Deb” Mulherin in 2018. 

A funeral service to celebrate Pope’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors, with visitation from 12-2 p.m. Burial will follow in Old Ebenezer Cemetery near Mercer. Pallbearers to serve are Bill Bolde, Michael Bolde, Mike Ellis, Zeke Koelsch, Tony Todd, and Larry Webster.