Beulah Wynnelle Poole Smith

Beulah Wynnelle Poole Smith of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, died peacefully on October 17, 2024 at the young age of 88, surrounded by her children and granddaughter. A third generation Floridian, she was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on March 2, 1936. She was the youngest child of Oscar Marie Poole and Sally Geanette Cain Poole.
Being the youngest of four children born to Oscar and Sally, she was affectionately known as either "Baby" by her parents and siblings or "Aunt Baby" by her nieces and nephews. Later on, she was referred to as "Dram" as a result of her granddaughter Jordan, when as an infant attempted to pronounce "Grand."
It was in New Smyrna Beach, while attending a dance, where she met Willie Earl Smith who was to become the love of her life. They married in 1955 by a "one legged" Justice of the Peace in Bay St. Louis, MS. A true love story, they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary earlier this year on August 22.
Her initial and forever occupation was that of a homemaker and mother to two children. Later, she became a school bus driver for Volusia County, which she proudly continued for 35 years.
Wynnelle was a Christian. An excellent pianist, she always loved playing alongside her dear friend Joyce Tumblin at their home church, the First Church of Nazarene, New Smyrna Beach. A church that Wynnelle's family had deep roots in, as mother Sally Cain Poole was one of the founding members. Wynnelle always ensured that her kids attended church and Vacation Bible School.
Wynnelle was a person with a servant's heart, always putting others first. She was well known for her ability to prepare delicious meals. She was known to readily provide meals for church functions, someone being ill or other occasions. Of particular note is that she was famous for her ever-popular and always requested chicken and dumplings that she prepared.
Without question, Wynnelle loved her family. She would always help out at school, being the perfect school mom. Additionally, she loved her extended student family which she drove to and from school every morning and afternoon. Prior to her retirement, she became the most senior school bus driver in Volusia County.
Through the years, Wynnelle always loved family get togethers. She particularly loved to cook for groups of people. Cousins would always love to come into town for a fish fry. Additionally, she enjoyed traveling with Willie in their RV while attending gospel sings, camping, visiting relatives or relaxing on the St. Johns River.
Wynnelle was preceded by her parents, brother Oscar Poole (Ellijay, GA), sisters Catherine Emory and Shirley Gardiner, both of New Smyrna Beach. She is survived by daughter Debra McCrary of New Smyrna Beach, son William E. Smith of DeLand, granddaughter Jordan Smith Carnegis (Nicholas) and great grandsons, Mason and Jack Carnegis of Orlando. Additional survivors include her sister-in-law, Edna Poole (Ellijay, GA) along with cousins, nieces and nephews scattered throughout the southeast.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Wynnelle, along with the love of her life, husband Willie Earl Smith in the Chapel at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home in New Smyrna Beach, FL, at 2:00 PM on November 9, 2024.
Condolences to the family may be offered at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration for donations to NSB CAPS www.nsbcaps.com, New Smyrna Beach, FL or The Russell Home for Atypical Children https://russellhome.org in Orlando, FL.