Debra Ann Poole

Debra Ann Poole was born February 9th, 1962 in Detroit Michigan to the late Mckinley and Annie Poole.   Beautiful encapsulates the life and impact of Debra who was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and everyone’s biggest cheerleader.   She transitioned from this life on July 29, 2023, in Raleigh, NC when the Lord beckoned her to come in from all thy laboring and he said, “I will give thee rest”.  Debra was baptized and received the Holy Spirit at an early age at Bethlehem Temple Church in Benton Harbor.   She served the Lord with gladness as she meditated on her favorite Scripture, “This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it”.

Debra was intelligent, multitalented, and the ultimate professional.  She attended Benton Harbor High School the class of 1980.  She graduated from Douglas J. as a licensed Cosmetologist in Lansing MI and received an MBA from Strayer University where she graduated Magna cum laude.  She worked at the Ingham County Friend of the Court in Lansing, MI then she transitioned to North Carolina Health & Human Services, as a Child Support Division Agent.  She was the CEO of “Who I Am” Community Ministries.  She was an entrepreneur and co-founder and served as Vice President of “Mother’s Tears” an organization that provides support to mothers who lost a child.   She enjoyed volunteering in the community and serving others who were less fortunate.  In her later days, she was the Director of Operations for Kinsey Christian Security family-owned business.   She was a leader at heart.

Debra greatest joy was her children and family.  Her grandchildren loved calling her, "Bun Bun", and her Father and siblings loved calling her (Debra Bubba).  She shared love, laughter, kindness, wisdom, and great counsel.    Her mother once said, “she never lets anything slip pass her, due to her keen eye, always attentive to family and their needs.  She was Inquisitive, quick thinker, and a brilliant problem solver.  Her laughter and presents lit up any room and she knew no stranger.  She was a gourmet cook and enjoyed baking her traditional “caramel cake” for all to enjoy.  She loved traveling, reading, skating, dancing, and any event that involves her family.   To all that encountered her, she made you feel she was your best friend.  

Debra was preceded in death by her mother and father, son Kinley Poole, and brothers George, Donald, and Melvin Poole. 

She leaves to cherish her memory daughters Dr. Cherisse Collins, Victasia Davis, son Reggie Neal of Raleigh NC.   Grandchildren Kinley Poole, Jonovia & Nathaniel Collins, Kennedy, and Gideon Neal, Cadyn, Salim, Lïani, Bh’oni V Sanders great grands Kenzley & Kalina. Sisters Mary Washington of Farmington Hills, MI, Loretta, Lucretia (Howard) Ware of Lansing, MI.   Brothers Kinsey (Yolanda), DeWayne Poole of Indianapolis, IND, Ervin (Tami) Poole of Denver, NC.  She also leaves an uncle June Swanigan of Inkster, MI, Aunt Lena Swanigan of Benton Harbor, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends, and a special friend, Charles Joyner.  Debra will be deeply missed and forever live in our hearts.

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