Vivian Jean Poole

Vivian Jean Powell Poole was born on July 16, 1929 in Rosenberg, TX as the first of five children to the union of Robert and Blanche Powell. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Robert Douglas,Raymond Charles, Ruth Nell and her granddaughter Krystal Alicia Levi. Vivian accepted Christ at any early age and was baptized in 1939 by the late Rev. T.R. Roberts at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, participated in the Baptist Training Union and played the piano. As a little girl, instruments were not available and she learned to make music by blowing through a comb, shaking a bag with rocks in it and running a stick across a washboard. Fortunately Sister Poole got the opportunity to learn to play the piano. She would play for churches in the surrounding towns in Fort Bend County. Besides gospel music, Sister Poole loved the sounds of Big Band music like Duke Ellington, Harry James, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Lena Horn and many others. She loved to dance across the ballroom dance floor to big band music. Vivian also was a great historian. She loved to talk about growing up in Fort Bend County, picking cotton,walking to town buying milk for a nickel, hardships during the depression and family and friends kinships. Vivian attended A.W. Jackson High School and graduated with honors at the age of 16 in 1946. She attended Bishop College in 1947; thereafter, she journeyed her way to Houston, TX and attended Texas State University for Negroes (now known as Texas Southern University) in 1948. She united in marriage to Herbert Poole on August 16, 1952 who preceded her in death. To this union four children were born: Herbert Jr., Lillian, Marilyn and Carolyn. Vivian became a member of Jordan Grove Baptist Church in the early 1950's. She later joined South Union Baptist Church in 1958. In 1985 Vivian joined Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she became active in the Sanctuary Choir, Mission Choir, Sunday School Class No. 4, Seniors on the Move and the Dorcas Circle under the Lilly Grove Women's Ministry. Throughout the trials and tribulations of her life, she kept her faith in the Lord; she loved her family, the church,her pastor, the choir and her church family. Vivian made herself available for her neighbors when they needed her assistance. Vivian Jean Powell Poole was called to Glory to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: Children, Herbert Poole, Jr., Lillian J. Poole, Marilyn Poole Hardney (Glenard) and Carolyn Poole Levi (Herbert); Grandchildren: Reuben W. Levi (LaToya), Ronald B. Levi (Jenea), and Kayla P. Levi; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Ernestine Ervin; first cousin, Jocelyn Letheridge; sister-in-laws, Gloria Powell, Delories Breckenridge and Betty Poole; best friend, Claudine Green Emanuel, and a host of nieces, nephews and beloved friends