Jessie Tigris Poole

Jessie Tigris Poole, also known as "Big Taff" and "Big Daddy Oreo," passed away on February 10, 2025, in Springdale, Arkansas, at the age of 26. Born in Russellville, Arkansas, Jessie lived a life filled with faith, passion, and unwavering love for those around him.

Jessie was a loving, funny, and protective person whose character remained unchanged from childhood to adulthood. As a kid, he was known for his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his fierce loyalty to those he cared about, especially his momma. He attended Tahlequah High School, where he built lasting friendships and was admired for his kindness and big heart. After graduating, he attended Northeastern State University. He was very involved on campus, part of Dance Marathon, one of the founding members of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, and proud to win the Outstanding Freshman award. While at NSU, Jessie discovered Camp War Eagle, where he strengthened his faith and formed lasting friendships, and met the love of his life, Ashley, his "queen." Despite growing up in the same hometown and attending the same high school, they didn’t meet until his first day at CWE. Jessie loved to joke and tell people that Ashley, 4 ½ years older, and him met because she was his teacher. They would become best friends that summer. Their love story began one evening that fall after talking and watching a movie when Ashley asked, "So, are we going to talk about this or what?" That simple question marked the start of a love that grew stronger over time. Jessie, the calm and steady one, and Ashley, the fiery spirit, were opposites, but together they made an incredible team, creating a beautiful love and family.

He graduated from NSU in May 2021, and his career led him to Creoks. However, his heart was drawn toward ministry, and when the opportunity arose to become a youth pastor at Roots Church, he embraced it wholeheartedly. For Jessie, being part of Roots Church was one of the greatest joys of his life. He poured his energy into its growth and referred to them as his family. Jessie and Ashley moved to Arkansas to pursue fulfilling a longtime dream of raising their family in Northwest Arkansas. After an extensive search, he was Children's Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship, thriving under the leadership of Pastor Pat. His ministry was a testament to his deep love for God and his desire to share that love with others. Jessie’s joy extended beyond work. He was an avid gamer, loved his Nintendo Switch and PC, and enjoyed streaming Pokémon cards on Whatnot. He also collected Funko Pops and cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs. Above all, Jessie loved to dance and firmly believed no one could teach Dougie better than he could. Jessie was also an exceptional griller, no one could do it better than him. Not only did he believe that, but you would too if you got the chance to taste his food. Jessie never met a stranger and made everyone feel seen and valued. His humor, kindness, and the joy of Christ radiated in every conversation.

Jessie is survived by his wife, Ashley Poole; sons, Sekani and Tobias Poole; father, Jesse Poole and girlfriend Chloe; mother, Mandy Poole and fiancé Buddy; brothers, Gabe Poole and girlfriend Raven, Malik Hodge, and Uriel Poole; grandmothers Betty Harper and Artist Poole; uncles Chris Harper and wife Shenna, Mack Harper and wife Hali, Tim and wife Elle, Tony; aunts Ericka Carr and Tina and husband Eric; nephews Major and Kenai; and many other beloved family members. His mother-in-law and sisters-in-law were a great source of joy and comfort to him. Jessie’s friends, his chosen family, were as close as blood, sharing laughter, love, and unwavering support. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Chester Poole; Grandpa Mack Harper; Uncles Chester and Andre “Adam” Poole, cousins Buddy Johnston and George Poole. Jessie’s legacy is one of faith, joy, and boundless love. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A visitation for Jessie will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Crescent Valley Baptist Church with Christian Murillo officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Bradley Solomon, Austin Martin, Christian Murillo, Drake Bolin, Gabe Poole, TJ Scrapper and JD Pigott. Honorary pallbearers are Jesse Poole, Malik Hodge, Marcus Bradford, Tristan McDowell, Pat Callahan, Chris Harper, Hunter Lasater, Ben Ballard, and Evan Grule.