Martha Babb Poole

After graduating from Greenville High School in 1951, she attended Furman University. It was there that she met her future husband Robert “Bob” Poole. After graduating from Furman with a degree in Sociology, she got married and started a family.

In 1965, Martha moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and faithfully served there as a pastor’s wife at Corinth Baptist Church for 29 years. She taught Sunday school, served as a gracious hostess for countless social functions, and often volunteered for community events.

After becoming the first person to complete the Library Science Program at Elizabeth City State University, she would go on to be employed at Pasquotank Elementary School for many years as Head Librarian.

Martha was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and friend. She had a mischievous sense of humor, and often laughed to the point of tears. Martha loved birds, flowers, and all the beauty of the natural world. Her favorite hymn was “This Is My Father’s World.”

She was an avid supporter of UNC-Chapel Hill basketball, and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports. Martha loved making crafts, traveling with family and friends, and singing in the church choir. Gardening, reading and playing the piano were also among her many interests.

She is survived by her sister, Caroline Stewart, (Ed); daughters, Kathy Etheridge (Walt), Karen Craig (Randy); sons, Roy Poole (Becky) and Robert Poole Jr. (Deborah); as well as nine grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her brothers, Roy Babb (Sara) and Lowry Babb (Leila); husband, Robert Poole, Sr., and son David Poole (Lydia). She died only 25 days after her beloved husband Bob of 67 years.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 2 pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, with a Graveside Service to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Wake County (please use link below under 'donations').

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