Catherine Baldwin Poole-McNeill

Life Reflections

Catherine Mary Elizabeth Baldwin was the youngest of nine born to Daniel and Margie Baldwin. She arrived on February 11, 1927 in Cumberland County, North Carolina. She was raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young girl. She was baptized at New Bethel AME Zion in Fayetteville.

Catherine was education in the Cumberland County, North Carolina school system. She was a 1945 graduate of E. E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, N.C. Being the baby in the family Catherine remained close to home following graduation working with her oldest sister Eunice in the Cafe serving meals to the locals and soldiers. That was until she met a soldier from Virginia, Charles E. Poole.

Catherine and Charles were married 29 years. From this union four children wee born: Paulette, Sharon, Beth, Bonnie Gail, and Charles Jr. After the birth of Paulette the family moved to Philadelphia, PA. While pregnant with Sharon and Bonnie, Catherine enrolled and graduated from Nursing School in Philadelphia, PA. She received her certificate and passed state boards to become a License Practical Nurse. After completing nursing school Catherine and the family returned to Fayetteville. She had acquired all skills needed to care for her ailing mother.

Catherine worked until retirement in the medical field as a Licensed Practical Nurse in both Fayetteville and Philadelphia. Some was employed at: Cape Fear Valley Hospital, Philadelphia General, Methodist Hospital and Veteran''s Administration Hospital.

In 1984, Catherine reconnected and wed a former childhood friend from North Carolina, Douglas McNeill and relocated to Brooklyn, New York. Douglas preceded Catherine in death in 2005.

Catherine lived a life dedicated to loving and caring for others in both her personal and professional lives. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She gave of herself effortlessly. She had memory like an elephant, was quick witted and humorous. She could always make you laugh with her smart "one liners'' often from her southern background.

Catherine departed life on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, after a lengthy stay at Andorra Woods Nursing Care Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Catherine is survived by: Her children: Paulette Phillips (Arthur), Sharon Poole, Bonnie Linder (Ralph), Charles E. Poole, Jr., Her Grandchildren: Kia Russell, Charles Poole, III, Khaliah Wlaker, Jarrett Renfroe and Brittany Renfroe, six Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, many relatives, friends, and Caretakers.

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