Mary E Poore

Mary Elizabeth Poore, 91, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio January 15, 1922. She was the second daughter born to Stewart and Helen Morley. After graduating with honors at Kenmore High School in Memphis, Tenn., she attended two years of ‘college’ that prepared her for a career in accounting and administration. It was in her early career days, she met Gilbert Hill Poore who had been in Shanghai, China with the 4th Marine Division (WWII). He was deployed to Japan and Korea as a CWO during the Korean War. While apart, there ensued a wonderful romance through letters from far-away places. They were married January 8, 1946 in Houston, Texas. As a career Marine, Gilbert took Mary to see the world. Some of the locations they called home were Hawaii, DC, California, Albany, Georgia. They finally retired to San Antonio, Texas due to the wonderful military culture. All through those years Mary excelled in all positions with the Federal Government. Major General W R Johnson, USMC awarded Mary on April 16, 1980, a 30 year Service Award for her outstanding performance serving the Marine Corps Logistics Base (Albany, Georgia), the Marine Corps, and her country. Those she supervised and served with still speak highly of her work and friendship as “very kind, giving, and sweet.”

Mary and Gilbert were married 51 years when he died. She eventually made her home in a little cottage at Air Force Village I. There she enjoyed the Dominoes and Card playing groups, as well as volunteering at Lackland. She was avid about crocheting and knitting for others. She loved all dogs and cats, and supported many of the animal causes; it was with her cat, Prissy, that she moved to Freedom House Dec, 2005.