Carolene Poole

Carolene Poole

Carolene Poole
Carolene Poole

Carolene Poole passed peacefully from this life on May 7, 2021, at the age of 72.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

A lifelong resident of Amarillo, Carolene was born on June 17, 1948, to Nelta Cowan and Charles James Moore.  After Mr. Moore’s untimely death, her mother married Gilbert Mann, Jr., both natives of Clarendon, Texas.  Together Nelta and Gilbert raised Carolene, her brothers Wayne, Bob, and Jim, and Carolene’s baby sister Cheryl in Amarillo.

Always an excellent student, Carolene attended Sanborn Elementary School and Fannin Jr. High where she wrote for the school newsletter and also illustrated it with her artwork.  Her artistic and creative talents were evident her entire life which included winning a national award for a soap carving.   A talented artist, she expanded her endeavors to photography and many of her photos graced the walls of her home.  At every family gathering, she was the resident photographer, taking many, many photos of everyone and the best photos came from behind her lens.

Also, a talented musician, Carolene studied piano at the Musical Art Conservatory beginning in grade school.  As a teenager and young adult, she played the piano and organ for church services where she attended and other meetings.

Carolene graduated mid-term from Amarillo High School in the 1965 – 1966 school term.  She then attended Amarillo College.

On October 17, 1966, her firstborn son, Shawn, came into her life with who she was very close throughout her life.  Her second-born son Christopher Brett was born on February 3, 1975, and brought her more entertainment than she ever dreamed possible.  Then on December 20, 1981, Carolene married Kenneth Poole, and along came Todd Poole, his son, completing the family.

Carolene’s professional career was spent in banking.  She spent over 40 years with Amarillo National Bank where she started as a proof operator working up through the ranks as a teller, customer service representative, and compliance officer.  She finished her career in the personnel department where she attained the level of Senior Vice President until her retirement.

In retirement, she found her niche as a volunteer.  Socks for Soldiers was one of her passion projects.  She had an empathy for the US military man always.  Her next endeavor was collecting clothes, toys, and similar items and delivering them to the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Oklahoma and New Mexico.  She called it, “The Project.”  This project would overtake her house – clothes everywhere that were donated to her that she would sort, clean, mend, whatever it took.  They were meticulously sorted according to size and sex.   And ever more, every little girl at the reservation received a doll with handmade clothes that she painstakingly made, and they were beautiful, with lace, buttons, whatever it took.   She and Kenneth would play Santa and Mrs. Claus at the giveaway party for many years.  She was also a strong supporter of the March of Dimes and spent time volunteering to help parents of at-risk children and troubled youths.

Carolene’s life was characterized by many enduring traits.  Her kindness and patience towards others knew no limit.  Always slow to anger or to pass judgment, she was an example to us all.  Her love for animals (especially wiener dogs) and all things living were likewise a hallmark trait that brightened any space she touched.  Carolene surrounded herself and others with a pervasive atmosphere of happiness and contentment.  To her, the “little things” mattered, such as a kind word or thoughtful note.   Her great-nieces and nephews loved the packages she would mail to them for birthdays, holidays or just because.  Every gift was thoughtful.  Her Christmas wrapping was legendary and possibly could have been award-winning.   No one could make a gift look more like a work of art than Carolene.

Carolene was preceded in death by her parents, Nelta and Gilbert Mann, her son Christopher Brett Twing and stepson Kenneth Todd Poole.  She is survived by her husband Kenneth Poole, her son Shawn Twing and daughter-in-law Leslie Twing, her siblings Wayne Moore, Bob Moore, Jim Moore, Jr. and Cheryl Hollan, and by her granddaughters who were the absolute light of her life, Ava Jane Haney and Annica Twing.  Carolene was further blessed with many, many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the High Plains Food Bank or any other local charity.

11 Replies to “Carolene Poole”

  1. Carolene, you were someone very special to me and Carolyn. We were in the same group at Paramount Terrace Christian Church and you became very involved with our mission “Socks for Soldiers” You will always remain in our memory for the kind and loving person you were. We will miss you greatly but rest in peace knowing that you are in no pain and are with the Savior in heaven.

  2. Kenneth, Cheryl, Bob, Wayne and families,
    We send our sympathy, friendship with prayers for your comforts and strengths being given to you by God, who loves you all so much! Time spent with Carolene at church or with Socks for Soldiers was always too short. She had layers of love expressing her faith.
    May the truths of 2 Thess. 2:16-17 be yours.

  3. So beautifully said and captured such a sweet, kind, and caring person. I can remember visiting Aunt Caroline many times. Her family always made me feel welcomed and my heart goes out to them. She was my sweet, tall red-headed aunt and that is how I will remember her. Shawn, my heart breaks for you and Leslie and the girls. ❤️

    1. Every once in a lifetime, someone comes into your life who makes a permanent and positive difference. Carolene was that someone for our family.
      Every word written about her is so true. She leaves a hole that no one came fill , but the countless memories will carry us through the loss.
      She has slipped the bonds of earth and now rests in the arms of Jesus.

  4. We were so saddened to hear about Carolene’s passing. For us she was a great friend and the kid sister we never had. While she is no longer physically with us, her spirit will always be around us. We are sending our love and wish comfort and strength for her family.

  5. We are so saddened for the Poole family. Carolene was our neighbor and friend. We cherished her friendship and pray for the family. God has plans we do not control.

  6. Carolene was such an amazing person with the hugest heart! She will be greatly missed but wow…the reunion she must be having with her loved ones! Especially Chris! Prayers for all of you!!!

  7. I will miss my sister so much. I was sad to see her leave this earth but she was bound for a better place! Give Chris, Mom and Daddy a hug for me, Carolene!

  8. Heaven has gained a gem. My Aunt Carolene was the kindest sweetest person with such a giving kind soul. She will surely be missed here on earth but knowing she loved Jesus and I know she’s dancing in Heaven with her parents and son gives me comfort. Until we meet again…

  9. We are so sad and sorry – and praying for God’s loving Presence, strength, comfort and peace for you all. Carolene was a sweet Blessing sent to us all- and we were Blessed to have her in our lives. We will always cherish our memories– love and praying for you all- cousins -Bonnie, Tricia, Connie, and families

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