MARY POOLE

OXFORD, Miss. — Mary Lewis Poole died Wednesday, April 22, 2020. A memorial service will be held at a later date. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She spent her 86 years in service to others bringing great joy as an outstanding organist, handbell director, children’s choir director, and seamstress. She was born in Washington, DC on April 15, 1934 to Arthur and Alma Lewis. In 1936, they moved to Oxford where her father spent his career at the University of Mississippi. After graduating from University High School, she attended the University of Mississippi and Milsaps College. She graduated from Ole Miss in 1956, then received a master’s degree in Sacred Music from Union Theological Seminar in New York City in 1958.
Mary, Frank, and their three children, Franklin, Bryant and Helen moved to McKenzie when Frank became head of the music department at Bethel College. Frank was also choir director of the choirs at First United Methodist Church. Mary was the organists at Paris Methodist church and also taught private lessons and taught some Bethel courses.
She is survived by her husband, Frank of Oxford; her sons, Franklin (Amy) of Keller, Texas and Bryant (Shelli) of Oxford; daughter, Helen Hale (Jason) of Oxford and 10 grandchildren.
Any memorials should go to Oxford University United Methodist Church, 424 South 10th Street, Oxford, MS 38655. +