Gracie Mae Poole (January 16, 1934 - July 30, 2020)

Wednesday 24th Jun

Gracie Mae (Nash) Poole was born in Idabel Oklahoma on January 16, 1934 to her father William Nash and mother Willie A. Nash.  At age ten, Gracie moved with her family to Riverside, California. She attended Irving Elementary School, University Heights Junior High and graduated from Riverside Poly High School in 1951.  After high school, Gracie attended Riverside City College where she completed her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) certification and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1955. She later became employed by Riverside Community Hospital and worked for several years as an LVN diligently caring for many patients.

 

On January 22, 1955, Gracie married Curtis Poole who she met while a member at St. Mark Church of God in Christ.  To this union were born seven daughters.

 

Gracie loved the Lord and shared her talent of singing, playing the piano and prayer ministry first at Eleventh Street Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of the late Elder Washington.  Her family then joined St. Mark Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of the late Elder M.T. Anderson.  Gracie then joined her oldest daughter at Riverside Faith Temple under the pastorate of the late Pastor Joseph Sims; and, with the rest of her family, remained a faithful member, church mother and prayer warrior, Board member and Church Elder for over 50 years.

 

Gracie was affectionately known to many as “Mother Poole” and provided prayer and wise counsel to hundreds over the years.  Gracie’s love for music inspired her daughter’s love for music and has had a generational impact. She also enjoyed spending time with family at holiday dinners and events.

 

Gracie and her late husband stressed the importance of education with their daughters which resulted in all of them obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, and most also obtaining advanced degrees and credentials.

 

Gracie, a devoted mother, leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Sandra Poole, Elk Grove, California; Wanda Scruggs (Melvin), Moreno Valley, California; Jacqueline Hall (Santi), Moreno Valley;  Patricia Smith-Lewis (Graham), Moreno Valley; Clarissa Wade (Curtis) Elk Grove; and Aleshia White, San Jose, California; thirteen grandchildren, Trenier Taylor, Antoinette Scruggs, Aretha Scruggs, Alayna Elam, Adena Burnett, Santi Hall Jr., Jason Hall, Shantia Keys, Peter Smith, Jr., Patrick Smith, Savannah Sims, Evan White and Lauren White. She also leaves twenty-one great grandchildren, Yleia King-Taylor, Izik Taylor, Aniyah Burnett, Aungelique Burnett, Anneliese Burnett, Aubrielle Burnett, Aralyn Burnett, Arabella Burnett, Albert Burnett IV, Malachi Elam, Sarai Elam, Naomi Elam, Micah Elam, Imani Scruggs-Udeozor, Alexis Spears, Alphonso Spears, Dylan Keys, Curtis Smith, Carter Smith, Cameron Smith and Devin Smith.

 

Gracie is also survived by her brother, Reverend Rufus Nash of Brentwood, California, a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and many dear and close friends.

 

In addition to her parents, Gracie was preceded in death by her husband Curtis Poole, daughter Katherine Poole, and brothers, Howard Nash and Willard Dean Nash.

 

Gracie departed this life on July 30, 2020 and will be missed but her love and affection will be in the memory of all that came to know and love her

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The Big Ride

Friday 5th Jun OK... I'm 2 weeks away from the big day. I'm hoping I will be jumping on Vicki (2017 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaguero), connecting Little Rikki (2015 Unigo Trailer) and making my way to South Carolina. It should take me 6 days to get there. I'll be there for a few days and then get back on the road to New Orleans to attend Black Girls Ride to Essence Fest (an event sponsored by Black Girls Ride Magazine). Then make my way back to San Diego. The hope is that I can find a few sponsors for my ride. Due to circumstances not in my control, the normal prices for gas and hotels have exponentially increased. Thereby threatening cancelation of my entire trip. I am actively looking for sponsors to help offset some of the travel costs. I would greatly appreciate any help in any forms.... cash, gift cards, hotel points, etc.... I can be reached through email, text and calling. Help me make my trip happen. I am dedicated to getting donations for the Alzheimer's Association and hope that I can exceed last year's totals!! Please let me know if you can help. Thank you in advance and thank you for donating to the Alzheimer's Association!!

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Larry Lauber (Aug 31, 1940 - Jan 30, 2026)

Sunday 8th Feb Larry Lauber passed away the day after Evelyn Silverman passed away. They were cousins. I will always remember Larry as a stand up guy that loved his cats. He always had a friendly word for anyone willing to listen. And was extremely generous with his time. Larry was loved by all who knew him and will continue to be.

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Evelyn Silverman (Aug 12, 1934 - Jan 29, 2026)

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