Mary Frances Poole

1924 - 2018

Mary Frances Holden Poole

August 14, 1924 - February 1, 2018

Raleigh

The beloved, Mary Frances Holden Poole, entered The Church Triumphant to enjoy eternal peace through union with Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 1, 2018. She was born to the late Charles and Susie Debnam Holden on August 14, 1924.

She attended Crosby Garfield Elementary School and graduated from Washington High School. Mary completed some courses at St. Agnes School of Nursing and earned a certificate in Institutional Management from North Carolina A&T State University.

Following marriage to her high school sweetheart, the late Hubert Poole, Mary joined Wilson Temple United Methodist Church. Over the years, she served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Tribe Leader, Lay Leader, Finance Officer, Tutorial Program member, a member of the Raleigh Chapter of Church Women United and the United Methodist Women.

In the early 1960s, she was one of the first African-American women employed as a Corrections Officer at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women.

As a community activist, Mary was a member of Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association, Precinct 1-34 member and Chair, and a member of Democratic Women of Wake County for over 50 years. She accepted the Mable Claire Maddrey Award for Distinguished Service to Wake County and contributed her time and energy to the Get-Outthe-Vote Campaign. For over ten years, she was an Advisory Board member with the Downtown East Development Center and the Wake County Nursing Home Advisory Committee. Mary was a charter member of the Top Ladies of Distinction and in 1999 was named the Raleigh Chapter's Top Lady of the Year. In 2001, she was second runner-up for the honor at the National Level.

Mary leaves loving memories with her daughter, Rev. Bettye D. Poole, one granddaughter, Shannon A. Poole, her sister, Pauline Holden Latta, a daughter-in-law, Regina Phifer-Poole, a sister-in-law, Wanda P. Poole and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Mary was predeceased by her son, Alfred Stanley Poole.

Viewing is available from 2pm to 6pm on February 8th at Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh. The funeral service will be held Friday, February 9th at noon at Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, 1023 Oberlin Road, Raleigh. Visitation begins one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment follows immediately after the service at Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Haywood Funeral Home, Raleigh. (919) 832-2835 www.haywoodfh.com