Jo Ann Poole

Jo Ann was born in Port Arthur, TX to Rufus Paul Hennigan and Esther Durdin Hennigan. Her father was a minister and they lived in many places in TX and FL, with Jo Ann graduating from Edison High School in Miami after attending 9 schools in 12 years. She enrolled in Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN to study Education and married Wendell Lewis Poole in 1961. They enjoyed a beautiful love story for 59 years together.

Jo Ann built an amazing elementary school teaching career for over 35 years at Hickman, Lakeview (Wilson County) and Andrew Jackson. She loved exposing her students to music, government and field trips and her involvement in the ADK teaching sorority. She returned to her alma mater in her retirement and worked in the School of Education at Trevecca assisting a plethora of graduate students.

Along with Wendell, she raised two sons (Kendell and Kyle) and spent her entire adult life in the Donelson, Hermitage and Mt. Juliet communities. She was a very active member of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene for 40 years, quietly mentoring children, ladies, and young married couples. She was the model of unconditional love to her friends and family.

She is survived by Wendell and her two sons, Kendell (Tammy) and Kyle (Julie) and five grandchildren, Jackson, Bryce, Kurtis, Carter and Annalee Poole. Two sisters, Elaine White of Grapevine, TX and Pauline Steffens of Lake Worth, FL and a host of cousins and close family.

Celebration of Life will be held 2 pm Wednesday at Hermitage Church of the Nazarene. Visitation Tuesday from 5 pm till 8 pm and Wednesday from 1 pm till time of service at at Hermitage Church of the Nazarene. Private Entombment to follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens with Grandsons serving as pallbearers. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hermitage Church of the Nazarene Benevolent group.