Overview:
• Barbara Elizabeth Dean-Poole, a respected social services director and community volunteer, passed away at 93 in Stockton, California.
• Her dedication to education and service influenced many, including her three children who achieved advanced degrees.
• A matriarchal figure and a mentor, she contributed significantly to programs supporting youth and the elderly.
• Dean-Poole is remembered for her empathy and strong principles, leaving a lasting legacy in the Cincinnati community.
Submitted by
J.C. Battle & Sons
Funeral Home
Barbara Elizabeth Dean-Poole, who was Administrator and Social Services director at Alaska Acres and George Martin Gerontology Center, died Aug. 6, 2024, in Stockton, California. She was 93.
She was born on Oct. 15, 1931, in Cincinnati Ohio, to William and Coela (Tina) Dean, The oldest of seven children, she took on a matriarchal roll while her parents worked to provide a good life for them. She attended Woodward High School and later earned a B.A. degree from the Union Institute later in life.
Barbara married John W. Poole and moved to Spokane Washington while John completed his tour in the U.S. Air Force. After 3 years they moved back to Cincinnati and Barbara worked many jobs during John’s aspiration to earn his accounting degree from the University of Cincinnati. She attended Zion Baptist Church and raised their children under the Lord at this sanctuary.
Together, they raised three children Dr. Terrence Poole (Jessica), Dr. Karol Ford (Johnny) and Holly Poole Blackley (Andre). Their emphasis on education and community service resulted in all three children earning advanced post college degrees and are very involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations.
Barbara’s dedication to her children spawned her many volunteer associations. She was active in PTA, Girl Scouts, Cub and Boy Scouts, mentoring of young girls, and she became president of the Local PTA and Jack and Jill chapter. She was most proud and celebrated as Administrator and Social Services director at Alaska Acres and George Martin Gerontology Center in Avondale, giving back her expertise and time to the elder adults in our community while mentoring young nurses and social workers.
Aside from her career and mothering, Barbara enjoyed art, crafting, sewing and listening to Johnny Mathis. She was also very fashionable and loved her church hats that would be well coordinated with her attire. This she also passed down to her children and grandchildren; otherwise, you were not to leave the house until dressed appropriately.
She loved to attend her organizational activities with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction and Les Amies. She raised lots of the children of Zion Baptist as the music director of the Sunday School for many years. She was a Sunday school teacher at New Thought Unity Center in Walnut Hills. Most recently, she also attended Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church.
Barbara was well respected and loved in Cincinnati community and will be remembered for her empathy, stern principles for perfection in others and service.
She was preceded in passing and carried the spirit of her brother William Dean and sisters Norma Busby, Janet Pugh and Coela (Ruth) Davis. Her spirit lives on in Joanne Armstrong (sister), Anita Hodges (sister), Ronald Davis (brother -in law), Everlina Dean (sister-in-law), Eveline Colvin (sister-in-law). Her children, Dr. Terrence Poole (Jessica), Dr. Karol Ford (Johnny), Holly Blackley, RPh. (Andre). Eight grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews whom will continue to carry and pass on her spirit to all they encounter.
Services have been held, with interment in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.