Myrtle H. Poole's Obituary
Myrtle Lee Hooks Poole was the first child born to Eulies Hooks and Elvie Norton-Hooks in Texarkana, Texas on August 20, 1927. Myrtle grew up in Texarkana where she attended school and church. She graduated from Dunbar High School. As a child she attended New Town Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend George Williams. Everyone who knew her affectionately called her, “Myrt”—a name that was dear to all who loved her.During a spring break from Prairie View College, Myrt met the love of her life, the late Roger Thomas Poole. It was love at first sight. They were married in 1945 and moved to San Diego, California. In 1945, Myrt joined Mt. Erie Baptist Church—she was 19 years old at that time. Myrt remained a faithful member of Mt. Erie for 71 years under the leadership of the late Reverend Henderson, Dr. Hayward, Reverend Patrick, Reverend Darden, and continued under Dr. Walter G. Wells.At the age of 43, Myrt went back to college, receiving a Master’s degree from San Diego State University in Social Science. After graduating with her Master’s degree, Myrt’s quick wit, savvy intellect, warm personality, and insightful knowledge landed her a job with the County Department of Social Services as a social worker for child protective services. After retiring from San Diego County, Myrt continued to share her knowledge, skills, and expertise by dedicating more than 16 years with the Mt. Erie Trolley Day Care Center.Myrt enjoyed telling her grandchildren stories about her life experiences. She especially liked to talk about her grandmother, Etta Parker. The only thing that her grandmother could read was the Bible. When Myrt or one of her siblings tried to “trick” granny by reading something to her that was not the correct book or verse in the Bible; Granny looked them straight in the eye, and with a thunderous voice pronounced, “THAT AIN’T RIGHT!” While teaching Myrt to pin together cloth for her handmade quilts, Myrt’s grandmother taught her another important lesson—one which remained with Myrt throughout her life and which she shared with everyone who she met. Her grandmother would say, “You can ALWAYS “pin” (e.g., depend) on the Lord.”Myrt was a charter member at Mt. Erie Baptist Church. She was a “lead” soprano and officer of the choir for over 66 years. Throughout her years at Mt. Erie, she was a member of many auxiliaries including Sunday School and the Mission Department.Myrtle Poole was a God-fearing woman who really loved the Lord and knew the Lord loved her. On February 3, 2017, Myrtle Poole was called home to the Lord. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eulies Hooks and Elvie Norton-Hooks, and her beloved husband of 25 years, Roger Poole.She leaves to treasure her memory her sisters Joann Stewart of Spring, Texas and Ommerra Dawson of Shreveport, Louisiana along with sister-in-law Argie Poole Byrd of Los Angeles, California and brother-in-law Lee Poole of Austin, Texas. She also leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Jerry and her loving daughters: Carolyn, Rogerstene, Glenda (Larry), and Phyllis as well as 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members along with her best friend Harriet Jackson.
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