Alma M. Poole

Early Sunday, February 16, 2025, Alma M. Poole, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Alma M. Sledge was born April 1, 1932, in Gilbertown, AL, to the late Amie Lancaster and Arthur Sledge. She was the third youngest of ten children.

Alma was educated in the Choctaw County School System and graduated from Choctaw County Training School on May 14, 1953.

On January 22, 1955, Alma married R.C. Poole. To their union four children were born, Joyce, Curtis, David and Deborah.

The family relocated to Albany, NY in late-1957, joining her older sister, Alice and her husband, Lenward Campbell.

Alma worked at Montgomery Ward, before beginning her career as a Mortgage Loan Officer with National Savings Bank. She retired from Key Bank with more than 25 years of service. Post-retirement, she became a lunch aide/server with the Albany City School District for many years.

R.C. and Alma joined Walls Temple in 1957, and she remained a dedicated member until her passing. She faithfully served on many ministries/boards, including the Usher Board, Gospel & Senior Choirs, District Zion Chorale, Missionary Society, Home Missions and Ministry of Kindness, which she served as President for many years, just to name a few.

Alma enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, sewing and horse track racing. She took great pleasure in showing pictures of her garden and homemade baked goods. She always enjoyed the yearly road trips taken for family reunions.

Alma was a great friend to many, and her friendships were indiscriminate.

She was predeceased by her husband, R.C. Poole; children, Curtis Poole, David Poole, Sr., and Deborah Jefferson; stepson, Alfred Poole; longtime companion, Robert (Bob) Ewell; and siblings, Maynard Sledge, Lillie Mae McGee, Alice Campbell, John Thomas Sledge, Joanna Bradley, and Nimrod Sledge.

Alma leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Joyce Poole; grandchildren, Mercedes (Gerald), Dawhan, Aaron, ShaDina, David, Jr., Erica (Melissa), Patrice (Peter), Morgan (Jamiliah), Jordan, Thomas, Davon (Amara), Amie, and Alexander; 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; siblings, Sena Sims, Velva Ruth (Sherman) Meachem, and Bernard Sledge; daughters-in-law, Debra Poole, June Poole, and Dina Alexander; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends; and 275 Facebook fans, who she made sure to post daily inspirations for.

Alma’s family will miss her daily texts filled with inspiration and love from Moma, Grandmother or Aunt Alma.

Alma wants each of us to take comfort in knowing that she is well. TTL

The family will receive visitors Friday, February 21, from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Livingston School Apartments, 315 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Alma M. Poole to the Community Hospice Foundation, 310.S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 

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