Bertie Poole

1919 - 2016

Bertie Louise Winkler Poole

Bertie Louise Winkler Poole passed away peacefully on August 27, 2016, following a brief illness. She was born on March 11, 1919 to Zadie Burns Winkler and Claude Oscar Winkler, the second of nine children, all of whom predeceased Bertie, except for one surviving sister, Geraldine Shirley and husband Skip. She is predeceased by her husband of fifty four years, Elisha Martin Poole, and her only son, Martin Eugene Poole. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lynn Poole; and former daughter-in-law, Glynna Manis Poole, the mother of her four grandchildren, Renee P. King, Rachal Bryan and husband Hamp, Aaron Poole and wife Christy, and Ashton Poole and wife Joanna. She is survived by two step-granddaughters, Ashley Kisla and Heather Nelson; she is survived by eight great-grandchildren, and three step great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that make up the Winkler clan.

"Mimi" was a wonderful homemaker and one of the best cooks ever. Of note is when she went to see Paula Deen's show at the Century-Tel. When asked what she thought about her, she said, "She didn't teach me anything I didn't already know and she uses too much butter!" Mimi's supper table, with the revolving lazy Susan, was legendary and she was always ready to cook for anyone that was hungry, usually something fresh from their large garden. If someone did not feel like eating or could not eat three helpings, then she would worry that they must be "tired" or "not feeling well." "Bless their heart" or "poor thing," she would say.

Mimi loved her family and spoiled us (the grandkids) rotten. We remember our Dad getting really angry at her because she was letting us drink out of a baby bottle some red jello mixed with water. One of her granddaughters was either in the first or second grade! She said, "but Martin, her stomach hurts and it just tastes better out of a bottle!" Well, fast forward to a few years ago, and her great-grandson, Jett, is regularly checking out of school at noon to go to Mimi's so he can lay on the couch and drink Dr. Pepper! Again, she explained that he had a stomachache. She was also supportive of our hobbies, even when she did not like them. When Martin was riding a bull at a rodeo that Mimi and her sister, Aunt Myrlene attended, and they jumped behind the bleachers and watched the action through the slatted seats. She reportedly did not like animals, but was caught frying an egg for one of our dogs that "looked hungry." As recently as this year, she attended her great-grandson, Jett King's, baseball game at Loyola, all bedecked in a large colorful umbrella, big black sunglasses, hat, jewelry, etc. She loved to travel and she and Elisha regularly traveled to South Fork, Colorado every summer to escape the heat. She also loved to dance, and would cut a jig at every birthday party. She was a tireless shopper and perfectly turned out for every event, spending hours coordinating her clothes, jewelry, shoes and accessories. She always made sure that the family got together for every birthday, holiday, or special event, accepting no excuses. Recently a couple of weeks ago, we were having a birthday party for Aaron, and she told us she might wear "something slinky." She lived a full life, and was independent nearly to the end. We will miss her terribly, but are so blessed to have had her in our lives. Bless your heart, Mimi!

A special thanks goes to Gladys, with Peaceful Mind Sitting Service, one the best caregivers ever and to the staff at Aime Hospice and Azalea Estates, for making her last days comfortable and dignified. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Seborn Woods, for his many years of care.

Honoring Bertie as pallbearers will be Aaron Poole, Ashton Poole, Hamp Bryan, Jett King, Eli Poole, and Marshall Bryan.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 1, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Marshall Street. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2016, at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel, followed by burial at Centuries Memorial Park. Officiating will be Brother Bob Moore.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Louisiana Association for the Blind, 1750 Claiborne Avenue Shreveport, LA 71103, or the charity of the donor's choice.