Betty Poole

Mrs. Ila E. “Betty” Poole, 86 of Gainesville, Georgia passed away Monday, March 1, 2021 from an extended illness surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was a ray of sunshine when you saw her smile and even on the phone when she greeted you with – Hello Darlin – it would fill your heart with joy.  She was not only a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend,  she was an amazing peacemaker.  Growing up in a three bedroom and one bathroom house made for some eventful times with six girls.  Often she would go down the list – Shelley, Sheryl, Sonya, Susan, Sherri and Stephanie before she would get the right name when she meant business.  She enjoyed gardening and canned most of our food.  She was a scratch cooker and we have fond memories quizzing her…but how much is a pinch.  She was an exceptional seamstress and made most of our clothes.   We eagerly awaited one of her masterpieces.  She retired from Coronet Carpets but always managed to attend most of our sporting events.   There was no prouder mother or grandmother and she was our greatest fan!  Her passion was traveling, fishing, bird watching, yard sales and visits with her siblings but she enjoyed her trips to Harrah’s Casino too.  She eagerly awaited our annual family reunion in Maggie Valley, NC, which often approached 30 people.  We’d explore the great outdoors, hiking, canoeing, golf, putt putt, card games, volleyball, cookouts and so much more.  Mom and Dad poured a solid foundation of love for generations to build from.   Although our hearts are saddened by our loss, we relish in knowing they are reunited again, as their love was eternal, along with Stephanie and many more relatives. 

Survivors include her daughters, Shelley (Dean) Martin, Sheryl Rylee, Sonya (Lowery) Tillison, Susan (Jamey) Brown and Sherri Holcombe; grandchildren, Justin Martin, Shane (Marybeth) Martin, Ally Martin, Erika (Derrick) Atkinson, Kyle (Holly) Rylee, Natasha Gebora, Michael (Lindsey) Underwood, Jason (Heather) Holcombe and Hannah (Bryan) Brannon; 12 great grandchildren; son-in-law Tony Hollingsworth and brother Glenn (Doris) Ledford. A host of other relatives also survive.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Maybelle Ledford; husband, Charles Laymond Poole;  daughter, Stephanie Hollingsworth; sister, Charlene Barrett and brother Clyde Ledford. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 6th at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home, on Dawsonville Highway.  Rev. Gregg Poole will officiate, with a special tribute from her granddaughter Natasha Gebora.  Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Thursday, March 4th from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Little & Davenport Funeral Home. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-pandemic social distancing will need to be observed for everyone’s health and safety and mask are recommended.

Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial contributions be made to Edmondson-Telford Center for Children, 603 Washington Street, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 

We would like to thank the NE GA Medical Center - Braselton Hospital personnel but more importantly Dr. Devendar Katkoori, Dr. Frederico Canavovsio (Dr. C), Dr. Christopher Soika, Dr. Jawae Ilyas, and Dr. Ooubunmi Pitan and the 4 West Nursing Team; Lawrence Pharmacy (she was a loyal customer for over 50 years); the late Dr. Russell Richardson for years of care,  Encompass Hospice Team and a special Thank You to Pioneer Village, Maggie Valley, NC for hosting our annual family vacations. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Poole, please visit our floral store.