Regina "Gina" Joiner Pope, international sensation and creator of the world's best homemade Chicago-style popcorn was born on October 8, 1964 to the late Wendel and Alberta Joiner. Regina passed away peacefully and joined her ancestors on January 8, 2021. Spiritually, Gina confessed her love of God early in life and was baptized at 10 years of age while attending Sharonville Church of God. As an adult, Regina regularly attended Greater New Hope Baptist Church until illness prevented participation.

Standing out in a household filled with ten rambunctious children was no small feat, yet Regina somehow managed to lead the pack. She was the eighth child and the youngest girl. Regina was preceded in death by both parents and siblings, Wendell Joiner and Angela Joiner Hudson. During her formative years, Regina attended Burdett Elementary, where her recently discovered Kindergarten progress report indicated that Regina was a model student, apart from following directions and working silently. This was also the age when a very young Regina developed her unique whistle that became most useful at family graduation ceremonies. An extremely popular Regina later attended Sawyer Junior High, Withrow High School and the University of Cincinnati. As an adult, Regina honed her professional skills working for the federal government with the Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Veterans Administration. While working for the government, Regina became a fierce advocate for the less fortunate in our city. She was especially passionate assisting the Christmas Project, which collected and distributed gifts to impoverished children and their families. Regina's compassionate nature shined brightly, despite debilitating illness and excruciating pain. In fact, one of her last gestures centered around purchasing Christmas gifts for medical staff who cared for her at Good Samaritan Hospital. In that same vein, she initially declined the opportunity to remove lifesaving equipment because she was worried her family would miss her terribly.  At the time, her primary concern centered around their sadness and pain.

At one point in her journey, Regina threw caution to the wind and boldly followed her culinary passions. She opened the coolest food joint named Bert's Café, after her beloved mother Alberta. It was a family affair filled with various Joiners grilling barbecue goodness, preparing go-tell-it-on-the-mountain- sandwiches, or delivering food orders nearby. Noted Cincinnati food critic and maker or breaker of local restaurants, Polly Campbell was a known to pop in ordering Seafood Gumbo while munching on complimentary Chicago-style popcorn. Regina's chicken salad gourmet sandwiches and southern style collard greens sold like hotcakes. Regina loved all aspects of cooking and until the very end spent her days watching cooking shows while receiving treatment in the hospital. She leaves behind an extremely sought-after Chicago-style popcorn recipe.

Regina's proudest accomplishments and most joyful moments centered around her three lovely children: Tony Joiner, her first born and only son; Erica Pope, her oldest daughter; and Jalen Pope, her youngest daughter. Regina viewed parenting as a lifetime commitment and some of her most life-affirming moments included time spent with her children and grandchildren.

They say friends are the family we make for ourselves and it would be impossible to highlight Regina's relationships and not honor her amazing "Girlfriend Group", who provided Regina such faithful support during the challenges associate with chronic sickness. Damita Joe Ramsey, Deanna Harris, Alaina Abernathy, Stephanie Taylor, and Vanessa Edwards will be forever appreciated for driving Regina out of town for medical surgery or hospital visits, delivering mouth-watering healing food baskets, and extending emotional support. Regina also maintained several very close bonds, including her friendship with Brigette Upshaw, which has thrived since they were both running wild in elementary school. Last but certainly not least, would include Regina's best friend and sister-mother Jacque' Joiner, who spent a lifetime of supporting and loving on her baby sister.

Gina leaves behind a family legacy associated with three children Tony Joiner, Erica Pope, Jalen Pope, and loving ex-husband Kevin Pope. Additionally, she leaves behind the following siblings: Daniel Stinson Sr. (Willa), Jacqueline Joiner Brown ( Michael), Larry Joiner (Carol), Jerome Joiner, Deborah Ann Wooten (Larry), Joey Joiner (Angel) and Reginald Joiner. Regina was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Tony, Ky'achia, Tomas', Ta'Nasia, Le'hana, Leslie III and LeAndria P  as well as a colorful host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends. A heartfelt and special "Thank You" to Kadori Ngirabakunzi and Kawana Atkins for providing Regina care and comfort during her illness.

Visitation is from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206). The funeral will limited to immediate family and close friends following the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Regina or leave a special message for the Joiner Pope family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Joiner Pope family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.