Thelma Marie Poole

Thelma was born to Oles and Orpha Smith in Swifton, Arkansas. Her family moved to the Flint area during the Depression to work for GM. She graduated from Bendle High School; then returned to Arkansas to attend Harding Christian College. There she met and later married Milton Dee Poole. After the war, they settled in Roswell, New Mexico, where Milton became a Lieutenant Colonel in the Strategic Air Command. After his death, she moved the family back to Michigan where she completed a degree in elementary education and later a Masters from the University of Michigan. Thelma taught in the Atherton school district for 25 years. After retirement, she moved to East Lansing to be closer to her grandchildren.

She placed her membership in the 242 Community Church.

Thelma was a grand Centenarian, a Gold Star wife, founding member of Bristol Road Church of Christ and mother to Joanne Marie Tootle and Joyce Faye Haner.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be planned for later.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation or 242 Community Church.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com